Cougar Lacrosse and Softball Deliver Commanding Performances

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery High School’s boys lacrosse and girls softball teams each turned in strong performances, combining disciplined defense with balanced offensive production to secure decisive victories.

Boys Lacrosse: Balanced Attack, Strong Defense Lead Cougars Past Phillipsburg

The Montgomery boys varsity lacrosse team earned an 8–4 victory over Phillipsburg, improving to 2-3 on the season behind a well-rounded effort on both ends of the field.

While the game remained scoreless through stretches of play, the Cougars capitalized on their opportunities, generating sustained offensive pressure with 22 shots on goal and controlling possession with 23 ground balls.

Colin Long led the attack with four goals, providing a consistent scoring presence throughout the game. He was supported by Patrick Petrozzini and Zach Mutton, who each added two goals, with Mutton also contributing an assist. Additional playmaking came from Will Schwartz and Miles Dawson, who each recorded assists as Montgomery spread the ball effectively across its offense.

Defensively, the Cougars held Phillipsburg to limited production, with goalkeeper Xander Mancilla anchoring the effort with 10 saves while allowing four goals. The defensive unit also contributed to transition play, helping Montgomery maintain control of tempo throughout the contest.

The combination of offensive balance and defensive discipline proved decisive, as the Cougars steadily built separation and maintained control late.

Softball: Offensive Surge Powers Montgomery Past J.P. Stevens

Montgomery’s girls varsity softball team delivered an emphatic 13–3 victory over J.P. Stevens, improving to 5-2 on the season with a dominant all-around performance.

The Cougars wasted little time establishing control, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding four more in the second. After a brief lull, Montgomery broke the game open with a six-run fourth inning to secure the win.

At the plate, Montgomery totaled 13 hits, with several standout performances. Grace Gandolfo led the way with a perfect 4-for-4 outing, driving in three runs. Ryane Riddell added two hits, including a double, and drove in three runs, while Emma McKnight contributed two hits and an RBI.

Nicolette Shackelford set the tone at the top of the lineup, scoring three runs and reaching base multiple times, while Isabella Malek and Maggie McGlynn each added key hits and RBIs to support the offensive surge.

In the circle, Matilda Suh earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on 10 hits while striking out six. Despite J.P. Stevens generating hits, Suh limited scoring opportunities and worked effectively out of pressure situations.

Montgomery also capitalized on defensive miscues by J.P. Stevens, which committed five errors, further extending innings and allowing the Cougars to build a commanding lead.

Photo Credit: Nick Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomry.com