Point Beach Girls' Lacrosse Scores First Varsity Win

POINT PLEASANT BEACH—After becoming a varsity program in 2019, the Point Pleasant Beach girls’ lacrosse team got their first win over Long Branch 16-9 on Monday.

The programs started as a club in 2017 and spent the following year at the JV level before making the jump two years ago.

Leading the Garnet Gulls were freshmen Matilda Ventresca, who scored 13 times in the victory, and goalie Gina Umek, who stopped seven shots.

Hearing the final whistle blow brought on mixed emotions for head coach Jonna Meenan, who has been with the program since the beginning.

It was a huge relief to get our first win under our belts,” Coach Meenan said.

“I was thrilled to see the girls’ hard work, dedication, and heart achieve this milestone. A few tears might have been shed on the sideline when I heard the final whistle. I am extremely proud of the girls and their level of enthusiasm. It’s been a long time coming.”

With getting that first varsity win under their belt, Meenan and the team can focus on growing the Lady Gulls into a premier team.

“One of the immediate goals is to keep growing our roster. We want the girls’ level of confidence in the sport to increase. We want the team to learn, grow, and enjoy their time with the program,” Coach Meenan said. “Our roster is stacked with freshmen. In the upcoming years, our squad will be incredibly competitive.”

As the program grows, the support for the team has grown right along with it, according to Coach Meenan.

“The reception has been warm and welcoming to girls’ lacrosse at Point Beach,” Coach Meenan said. “The families are incredibly supportive. They attend each game and show support to the girls and the coaches.”