Montgomery Softball, Boys Lacrosse Look to Regroup After Setbacks

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

Cougars Fall to West Windsor-Plainsboro North as Early Tie Slips Away

The Montgomery High School softball team opened with a quick answer in the first inning, but West Windsor-Plainsboro North steadily pulled away for an 11-1 victory over the Cougars.

Montgomery, now 9-8 on the season, matched West Windsor-Plainsboro North in the bottom of the first after the Knights took an early 1-0 lead. But WW-P North, which improved to 4-12, scored in each of the first six innings, including four runs in the sixth, to take control.

The Cougars finished with four hits. Nicolette Shackelford helped set the tone at the top of the order, going 1-for-2 with a walk, a stolen base and Montgomery’s lone run. Allison McKnight delivered the Cougars’ extra-base hit with a double, while Grace Gandolfo and Isabella Malek each added singles.

West Windsor-Plainsboro North collected 11 hits and capitalized on six Montgomery errors. The Knights scored one run in the first, one in the second, two in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth and four in the sixth.

Despite the final score, only two of the 11 runs charged to Montgomery pitcher Matilda Suh were earned. Suh worked all six innings, allowing 11 hits and two walks while striking out three.

The loss leaves Montgomery just above .500 as the Cougars look to regroup and tighten up defensively heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Cougars Drop Home Matchup to Hillsborough Despite 13-Save Effort from Mancilla

The Montgomery High School boys varsity lacrosse team could not generate enough offense at home, falling to Hillsborough, 11-4, in a Skyland-area matchup.

Montgomery, now 7-7 on the season, received a strong performance in goal from Xander Mancilla, who recorded 13 saves while facing a steady Hillsborough attack. But the Cougars were limited to four goals and no assists as the Raiders controlled the pace and pulled away for the win.

Will Schwartz led Montgomery offensively with two goals and three ground balls. Zach Mutton and Stephen Lu each added one goal, while Patrick Petrozzini collected two ground balls. Miles Dawson also had three ground balls, and Charles Peoples added one.

Hillsborough, which improved to 7-9, was led by Kevin Jones, who finished with five goals and one assist for a six-point game.Caden Walinsky added two goals and three assists, while Jake Jones contributed one goal and one assist. Ryan Chicalace, Owen Shumaker and Kaden Shepler each scored once.

The Raiders also held a major advantage at the faceoff X, winning 10 of 13 draws. Shumaker went 9-for-12 on faceoffs, helping Hillsborough maintain possession and keep pressure on the Montgomery defense.

In goal for Hillsborough, Matthew Siegelaub made six saves while allowing three goals, and Chris Byrns added one save while allowing one goal.

The loss brings Montgomery back to .500 as the Cougars look to regroup and sharpen their offensive rhythm heading into the next stretch of the season.

Photo Credit: Nick Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomry.com