Undefeated St. Anthony's wins 24th NSCHSAA girls lacrosse title

Whether it was a cooler of water being dumped on coach Darcy Messina or Madeline Morris jumping on Katherine Rathjen to try and get closer to the trophy, St. Anthony’s girls lacrosse spent Thursday evening writing a tangible definition for the word, “perfection.”

St. Anthony’s won its 24th NSCHSAA title and completed a 19-0 undefeated season, defeating Sacred Heart 13-6 in the Class AA championship at Motamed Field at Adelphi University.

“We have really bought into trusting each other in a lot of ways,” Messina said. “I believe that’s really special about this group.”

Despite seeing constant double-teams from Sacred Heart, senior Tess Calabria had two goals and two assists by halftime to help the Friars build a five-goal lead as she finished with four goals and three assists, completing an immaculate 114-point season with her 75th goal of the season.

“It means everything,” Calabria said. “I could count on one hand [over my four years] the times we’ve lost. This program is going in a great direction, and I’m just so proud to have been a part of it.”

The Friars never trailed in the game, and senior Jena Binkis was a big reason for that. She won 18 of 23 draw controls (78%) and helped the Friars dominate possession for most of the game.

“It’s all about how the ball is set in between the sticks,” Binkis said. “Communication is huge. If you can’t communicate with the girls in the circle, most of the time you won’t win the draw.”

Binkis, who also scored five goals, and senior teammate Amanda Paci seemed to be on a telepathic level of chemistry as Paci secured possession off most of the draws, a connection Binkis couldn’t hold back a smile when talking about.

“We kind of have a little head nod,” Binkis smiled. “Then we’re good to go.”

Sacred Heart senior Kaylee Fravert led the team with two goals, and freshman goalie Olivia Manago performed admirably in net with seven saves. Still, the precision of Calabria — who was later named MVP of the game as well as Player of the Year in the NSCHSAA — at the X combined with a high-pressure defensive unit forced Sacred Heart into uncomfortable situations all game.

“They have put forth a new culture this year,” Messina said. “I couldn’t ask for more coachability through mind, body and spirit. These kids bought in.”

That mindset produced results, not only as league champions and undefeated ones at that. But the Friars firmly placed a period next to their ranking as the No. 1 girls lacrosse program in the country.

Unless anybody has a strong eraser nearby, these 34 girls and this coaching staff have ensured nobody will knock St. Anthony’s off its perch anytime soon.