LIVINGSTON- Kelly Nann already knew that her 2024 Livingston Lancers have a ton of character; however, it may have taken a fourth quarter burst, -albeit in a 13-9 defeat to Northern Highlands – to further validate what she knows is possible for her lacrosse squad.
The Livingston laxladies, who entered this week with a 5-3 record (3-1 in the NJIGLL Independence White Division), have already surpassed their win total in 2023 when the team finished 3-14 in the Freedom South.
The Lancers are seeking their first winning season since finishing 12-6 in 2019 and the prospects appear bright for that quest for success to be fulfilled.
After posting early-season wins against Villa Walsh, Lakeland and Parsippany Hills, the Lancers once again showed their perseverance and full-game effort when they earned back-to-back narrow victories over both Morristown-Beard (11-9 this past Friday, April 19) and then Mount St. Dominic (13-12, on Saturday, April 20).
“The game against Northern Highlands, which plays in the strong Stars & Stripes White Division, was huge for us and I think really has helped set the tone for how our girls have played lately,” said Nann who is in her second season at the helm of the Lancers. “We really hung in there against them and we were able to finish strong, outscoring them 6-2 in the fourth quarter.
“Our girls never quit, the chemistry of this group is terrific and we’re enjoying going out there every day and giving a 100 % effort.
“We’re definitely shooting for a winning season and we’ll keep working hard to achieve that goal.”
Helping to lead the way for the 2024 Lancers are East Stroudsburg University-bound senior midfielder and co-captain Delia Lederman (27 goals, 15 assists, 39 draw controls), who recently achieved 100 goals and 150 points for her outstanding scholastic career.
Junior midfielder and co-captain Taylor Dzama (17 goals, 20 assists, 18 ground balls, 23 draw controls) and sophomore midfielder Casey Conklin (35 goals, 8 assists, 38 ground balls, 55 draw controls) are other key all-around performers.
Conklin recently scored her 100th point and achieved her 100th draw control in just her second season of high school lacrosse.
The aforementioned trio was huge in the setback to Northern Highlands with Conklin scoring five goals, Lederman adding two goals and three assists and Dzama scoring twice as well.
Attack players to watch for the Lancers include senior Layton Lee (5 goals) and junior Hannah Taub (5 goals), while the defense is led by seniors Hunter Lee and Anlim Wei and juniors Emily Ritz and Morgan Abramson who form a sturdy presence in front of promising starting freshman goalie Taryn Dzama.
Taylor and Taryn are the daughters of Livingston head boys lacrosse coach Brad Dzama and his wife, Morristown-Beard Athletic Director Joanne Dzama.
Nann is ably assisted this season by former Wayne Hills head coach Daniella Rakotci, who had been the Patriots’ head coach for five seasons. Nann served as an assistant to Rakotci at Wayne Hills when they guided the team to a 16-5 record and the Passaic County Tournament championship in 2022. |
