PITMAN — TCNJ picked up four first place votes and is predicted to repeat as NJAC women’s lacrosse champions in 2025, based on preseason polling of the conference’s six head coaches. Rowan garnered two first place votes and is predicted second.
Stockton, coming off a 14-3 record, is slotted third and Montclair State is predicted fourth. Kean - this year’s dark horse team - and Ramapo round out the six-team preseason poll.
TCNJ is ranked 14th nationally heading into the season, with returning attacker Ally Tobler listed on this year’s USA Lacrosse Preseason All-America First Team. Teammate Marissa Lucca along with Rowan’s Molly Green and Elaina Corson, and Montclair State’s Joey Grotkopf are Preseason All-America Honorable Mention selections.
The NJAC Women’s Lacrosse Tournament is set for Wed., April 30 and Sat., May 3. The top four teams in the conference standings qualify for the tournament.
NJAC Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll
(first place votes in parentheses)
- TCNJ (4)
- Rowan (2)
- Stockton
- Montclair State
- Kean (dark horse)
- Ramapo
KEAN
Kean, this year’s dark horse team as voted on by the coaches, aims to be in the playoff hunt later this season. The Cougars bring back reigning NJAC Co-Rookie of the Year Savannah Olsson, who was ranked in the top five in the NJAC last year in caused turnovers and ground balls. Two-time All-Conference defender Jenn Koval also returns to help anchor the Kean defense. On the front end, Shannon Palen and Skyler Ray look to take on more of the scoring duties after the graduation of top two scorers Kylie Giordano and Amanda Brzoska. Palen is the leading returning point scorer after putting up 37 points on 10 goals and 27 assists, while Ray is the leading returning goal scorer with 27 goals and four assists last year.
Newcomers to Watch: Lilly Fried (A; Toms River HS North), Emily Javick (M; Rider University)
Head Coach Sarah Lawshe: “Kean student athletes and coaches have high energy heading into the season. We are a young team but the plan is to not miss a beat as we transition, with talented underclassmen stepping up into leadership roles. We are excited to show the conference a glimpse of the bright future this program has.”
MONTCLAIR STATE
With a solid group of returners, Montclair State aims for a playoff spot this season. The Red Hawks boast the NJAC’s leading returning point-scorer in Chelsea Stack, who put up 72 points on 29 goals and 43 assists last year. The 43 assists were the most in the conference. All-Conference honoree Amra Lukovic is back and will provide another scoring spark. Two-time All-Conference goalie Joey Grotkopf returns to anchor the MSU defense, and will be supported by middies Norah Monaghan and Sam Handzo along with defender Dani DeJesus.
Newcomers to Watch: Sophia Piccinich (Westwood HS), Mia Cuccinello (Wayne Hills HS), Gina D’Angelis (Williamstown HS)
Head Coach Nicol Parcelluzzi: “We are extremely excited to start the season! We have a lot of experience and leadership but also new players that bring additional talent to our team.”
RAMAPO
Ramapo is under the guidance of a familiar face as Nicole Barbella returns as head coach this season. She has a strong core of returners who are eager to make a splash this year. Erin Smeilus is the leading returning scorer for the Roadrunners after putting up 35 goals last year. She is joined by Bethany Glaser who scored 18 goals and assisted on 10 more. Glaser also led the team in caused turnovers. Lauren Travaglini and Alyssa Curto are back to anchor the Roadrunner defense. Travaglini was second on the squad in caused turnovers and tied with Glaser for the team lead in ground balls. Curto also scooped 24 ground balls last season, providing another defensive spark.
Newcomer to Watch: Kassidy Baez (A; Xaverian HS)
Head Coach Nicole Barbella: “I’m thrilled to return and lead this program as we push to reach our full potential. With experienced returners and strong leadership at the core, the Roadrunners are prepared for an exciting and competitive season ahead.”
ROWAN
The Profs return a strong core looking to make a run at the NJAC title in 2025, including a handful of all-conference honorees and the squad’s top three scorers from last year. Headlining the group is three-time All-Conference and two-time defending NJAC Midfielder of the Year Molly Green, who owns the Rowan program records for caused turnovers in a season and in a single game. She is joined by leading returning scorer and All-Conference pick Elaina Corson along with Calista Burke to form a scoring trio that accounted for a total of 159 goals. Defensively, All-Conference honorees Sophia Schiavo and Katie Montenero return. They combined for 41 caused turnovers last season. Mel Rodgers is back in goal after gaining valuable experience last year.
Newcomer to Watch: Abby Leporati (D; Cherry Hill HS West)
Head Coach Lindsay Delaney: “Rowan Women's Lacrosse is preparing for a strong showing on the field this year. We look forward to competing with mindfulness and joy, while adapting to situations, and persevering through challenges. We look forward to the moment we can showcase our growth.”
STOCKTON
The Ospreys bring back a solid core from a team that went 14-3 last year. The defense is the storyline for this squad, with All-Conference defender Meghan Pellegrino back along with experienced junior defender Gina Marotta. They were a solid wall last year, as the Ospreys gave up the fewest number of goals of any NJAC team last season and had the conference’s best scoring margin. Madison MacGillivray returns to lead the attack and is joined by two transfers with collegiate experience in Julia Gibson from Florida Atlantic and Ashley Pringle from Georgian Court.
Newcomers to Watch: Julia Gibson (A; Florida Atlantic University), Charlotte Ondria (M; Council Rock North HS (PA)), Ashley Pringle (A; Georgian Court University)
Head Coach Denise Roessler: “The 2025 Stockton Lady Ospreys Lacrosse team is fired up and ready to compete this season! Despite the challenging weather we faced this preseason, our team’s unwavering spirit and determination shine through in every practice. They are relentless in their pursuit of our season goals. Competing in the NJAC, known for its exceptional talent, is an opportunity we embrace, and we look forward to competing.”
TCNJ
The Lions, winners of 13 consecutive NJAC titles, are loaded again in 2025. Three-year All-American and two-time defending Attack Player of the Year Ally Tobler returns to headline the potent offense. Tobler also enters 2025 as a Preseason First Team All-American. She is joined up front by 2024 NJAC Co-Rookie of the Year Marissa Lucca, who brought another scoring threat to the Lions last season. They are supported on the other end by All-American goalie Julia Charest. With strength up and down the lineup, the Lions look to keep the trophy in Ewing again this year and make waves on the national stage.
Newcomers to Watch: Naomi Kahney (A; Notre Dame HS), Kelly Nevins (A; Warwick Valley Central HS (NY)), Ashly Herlihy (D; North Hunterdon HS)
Head Coach Sharon Pfluger: “The 2025 TCNJ Women’s Lacrosse Team is comprised of extremely hard working student-athletes who are team players. Our coaching staff is extremely excited about this outstanding group of young ladies and are taking one day at a time.”