Middletown, Lincroft

Mar 14, 2023

Middletown South Girls’ Lacrosse Seeking State Title

By Les Pierce

Emma Buthorn (left)

Last year, the Middletown South girls’ lacrosse team went undefeated in A-North to clinch the division title. Going into the state sectionals, the squad defeated Old Bridge by an 11-5 tally in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 State Sectional opening round. It appeared the squad was on track to clinch a state title. However, a close loss to Rancocas Valley ended that notion. The Eagles are looking forward to another run in the states.

The good news for South is the top four scorers from last year’s team are returning: Emma Buthorn (Sr. M), Lauren Hutson (Sr. M), Caroline Bedetti (So. A/M) and Skylar O’Keefe (Jr. A).

Buthorn (Sr. M) led the squad in scoring last season with 60 goals and 19 assists. She was also credited with 57 ground balls and 55 draw controls. She was named to the APP.com All-Shore First Team and Shore Coaches All-Shore First Team. She was also named A-North Division Player of the Year.

Hutson found the net 24 times, captured 55 draw controls and garnered 56 ground balls. She was named to the APP.com All-Shore Second Team and Shore Coaches A-North Division First Team.

As a rookie last year, Bedetti scored 27 goals and collected 23 ground balls. O’Keefe scored 34 goals and picked up 27 ground balls.

South boasted a stingy defense last season with two defenders and goalkeeper Christine Nelson all honored as All-Division players. However, all three have departed with diploma in hand.

Likely to step up in the backfield leadership role is Keira Burke (Sr. D). Others providing defender services will be Mackenzie Ard (Sr. D), Jillian Nunez (Sr. D), Julie Stavola (Sr. D) Alexis Schactman (Jr. D) and Elizabeth Tardy (So. D). Anna Weise (So. G) saw limited time as goalkeeper last season and should now inherit the fulltime position.  

Some tough opponents have been added to the Eagles schedule this season, including reigning SCT champion Trinity Hall. Middletown South will host the Monarchs on Thursday, April 6.