Girls’ Lacrosse

The Mendham Girls’ Lacrosse team has had a standout 2025 season, holding a 10-6 overall record under head coach Alison Cassera. With key wins over top teams like Ridgewood and Oak Knoll, the team is heading into the state tournament with plenty of momentum. Senior captains Gracie Shoulberg and Sabrina Saunders have led the way, helping the team grow through the season. “This season we’ve really developed and grown, especially as a team,” says the team’s goalie, Saunders. “We had to make a lot of adjustments from last year after losing seniors, and I feel like we had a lot of people step up.” Shoulberg shares that having a young team brought challenges early on, but also brought the group closer together as the season went on. “With only two seniors, our varsity team this year is extremely young,” she added, “At the beginning of the season, we dealt with injuries and illness […] but we were able to find our footing and bond more and more as the season progressed.”
One of the team’s highlights was reaching the county final for the first time in years. “Our team has never made it past the semifinals since I’ve been in high school, so getting to experience that for the first time was really fun,” Saunders expressed. For Shoulberg, the wins over Ridgewood and Oak Knoll were just as special. “This past week, we traveled to Ridgewood and Oak Knoll and came up with two huge wins […] Both games, our team stepped up together and each player worked together for incredible team wins.”
Several players have made major contributions this season. Juniors Amelia Eichman and Grace Monahan have each scored 27 goals and reached 100 career goals this season. Monahan also led in draw controls with 40. Sophomore Lexi Alofs scored 35 goals and led the team in ground balls with 20. Sophomore Shea Shoulberg has had 26 goals and 49 assists, reaching 100 career assists. Sabrina Saunders reached 111 saves so far this season, helping her reach an outstanding 400 career saves.
As the team turns to the state tournament, their goal is clear: Saunders states that “This year is much different than ones in the past […] We really do have a very good shot in winning states if we play as a team and play our game.” Shoulberg has similar things to say regarding tournament goals… “All three years of my Mendham lacrosse experience have ended in the sectional final […] But this year we have the ability to make history and not only win the section, but the group.”
Both captains also took the time to reflect on what wearing the Mendham jersey and representing this school means to them. “The Mendham jersey and being a part of Mendham Girls’ Lacrosse is like being a part of a family,” Saunders reflects. “We all really try and look out for each other both on and off the field.” Shoulberg remarks, “From before I was born, Mendham has been a huge part of my life. My mom and dad both coached lacrosse at Mendham […] Now, I have the rare opportunity to represent a strong legacy and also play with my younger sister.”
To younger players hoping to follow in their footsteps, Saunders emphasized to “be focused on the little things […] whether it be your communication or your attitude, and just to have fun with it.” Shoulberg added, “You can only control your own actions and effort, so put in 100% each and every day and find ways to work hard and improve yourself.”

Boys’ Lacrosse

As the Mendham Boys’ Lacrosse team heads into the state tournament, both players and coaches are reflecting on the season’s defining moments and the group’s immensely strong chemistry. “We’ve had a strong season. The guys have come together, we’ve done some cool stuff,” head coach Michael Smith shares. “We went up to West Point together to watch a game and meet some of their players and cadets. That was fun, something they’ll remember for a long time.” The team has also picked up key wins throughout the season, including a recent victory over Warren Hills. “The guys just played really well and tough,” Smith says. “Warren Hills is having a great year with a lot of good players; that’s definitely a highlight of the season.”
Senior captain Will Pyznar discusses how the leadership from the older players has shaped the team all year. “I feel like I’ve grown as a leader by realizing how much the younger guys look up to us,” he reflects. “We all push each other. This group of seniors has been together for so long, so we all trust each other and are very close.” Coach Smith also praised the team’s connection both on and off the field. “They definitely hang out a lot, and they respect each other and support each other,” he stated.
The team leaders, including Will Pyznar, Alex Pyznar, Ryan Lazzara, Jake Fox, Tommy Suchanek, and Christian Kotarski, have all helped build a strong culture for Mendham Boys’ Lacrosse. “They set the standard for the way we show up and play,” Coach Smith stated. “They’ve bought in and motivated the younger guys.”
The Minutemen have had contributions all over the field this season. Senior Ryan Lazzara has dominated the faceoff X, winning 78% of his draws and adding 18 goals. Senior Christian Kotarski has stepped up with 23 goals, 19 assists, and 53 ground balls, while Alex Pyznar leads the attack with 27 goals. Junior midfielders Cristian Florenza and Patricio Grob have also been key scorers, combining for over 50 goals. On the defensive side, Tommy Suchanek and Jake Fox have led the way with 67 and 62 ground balls, and captain Will Pyznar has been a major presence on the field with 12 goals and 28 ground balls. The team’s commitment and intensity have helped carry them to a 10-5 record heading into the state tournament.
Coach Smith also highlighted Salisbury Men’s Lacrosse commit, Ryan Lazzara. “He’s just a constant competitor,” Smith said. “He never takes a rep off. If we need energy or a big play, he’s the guy we can count on.”
Looking ahead, the team has its sights set on one goal: “To win the state championship,” Smith emphasized. “We want to compete for championships, and this group has the potential to go really far.”