Bobinski twins set to lead Kinnelon girls
As juniors last year, twins Victoria and Ashley Bobinski had near identical seasons.
Victoria Bobinski finished with 57 goals and 15 assists and Ashley Bobinski scored 56 goals and had 15 assists as they both went on to score their 100th career goals.
Ashley Bobinski was a member of the first team all-conference, and Victoria Bobinski made the second team.
Victoria Bobinski, a midfielder who produced on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, did an exceptional job on draw control and transitioning from one side of the field to the other, and Ashley Bobinski, an attacker who looked to drive and score, are both committed to Quinnipiac University in the fall, where they will continue their lacrosse careers.
With all of that said, Kinnelon head coach Kailee Beal says the best is yet to come from her senior twins.
“Both of them are going to be huge this season,” Beal said. “They’ve been working really hard in the gym and on the field. They’re both so much alike, and it’s great to have them on our team.”
Despite that kind of productivity from two of its star players, Kinnelon finished with an uncharacteristic 5-14 record last year. But with six experienced and talented seniors returning, the Colts are primed for a bounce-back season in 2016.
“A lot of our losses were either by a goal or in overtime,” Beal said. “So they’re using those losses as motivation this season to come back and be on the other end of that.”
In addition to the Bobinskis, the Colts have another set of senior twins who are expected to make an impact on the field. Ana Berezni finished with 20 goals and 31 assists last year, and Isabela Berezni played defense for the Colts, but will transition to midfield to not only contribute on defense but on the attacking end as well.
Senior Jamie Lewit, a commit to Kean University, scored 21 goals and dished out 11 assists last year and senior Michele Natale will anchor the Colts defense, which will feature sophomores Clair Heckler and Briana Witting, both of whom started as freshmen. Junior Dana DeBel, who finished with 156 saves as a sophomore, will enter her third year as the Colts starting goalie as she will be instrumental in leading the defense in front of her.
“I’m looking for them to step up and make an impact even though they are young,” Beal said. “Our strength is on the attacking end, that’s where most of our experienced players are, but Claire, Briana, as well as freshmen Annie Berthiaume and Alison Carbone are expected to make an impact on the defensive end.”
A successful season for Kinnelon would be improving on its 5-14 record, making it to the state tournament, as well as making it past the first round of the Morris County Tournament.
“They’ve been working really hard in the offseason,” Beal said. “They’re chemistry is clicking. I truly believe this season is going to be a successful one.”
Staff Writer Dan Canova: 862-240-2878;dcanova@gannettnj.com
MORRIS COUNTY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bridget Ballard, Chatham: Ballard, a Loyola commit, is a true midfielder and excels all over the field. She is an excellent shooter and dodger, and has great vision in the attacking end. Last year, she led the team with 48 goals and 45 assists.
Linnea Begley, Morristown: A Cornell University commit, Begley is an outstanding defender and leader and is very vocal and aggressive on her opponents. The junior captain is a smart player that has great positioning and is always aggressive on the ball. She was one of Morristown’s leaders on ground balls and helped dominate the draw control.
Arden Kassaleh, Pequannock: A commit to Caldwell University, Kassaleh is a dynamic, versatile attacker and has a great eye for the goal and her teammates. She finished with 74 goals last year, and has 152 goals for her career. The four year-varsity player is expected to break 200 goals in 2016.
Julie Krupnick, Mountain Lakes: A goalkeeper headed to Northwestern, Krupnick has quick reflexes and great athletic ability as she leads the defense with her voice. She’s a two-year captain and can get anyone energized when she makes an unbelievable save. Last year, she finished with 163 saves and led the Lakers to 12 wins.
Kira Lopes, Mendham: Lopes, a senior midfielder headed to Stanford in the fall, is returning from an ACL injury that sidelined her last year. Her game-sense and athletic ability will be crucial for Mendham. She’s a returning starter from her freshman and sophomore year and her chemistry with fellow senior captains Christine Long and Katie McDonald will allow her to return to great form in 2016.
Sarah McEvoy, Mount Olive: A Coastal Carolina commit, McEvoy is a dominant force in the midfield for Mount Olive. She is very aggressive on the draw and has great offensive instincts.
Rachel Mills, Morris Catholic: Mills, a Towson commit, is a four-year varsity starter and two-year captain. Mills finished with 59 goals and 23 assists last year for the Crusaders.
Cassidy Orban, West Morris: Orban, a Vanderbilt commit, was the team leader in overall points for the 2015 season. She is a tremendous athlete with her speed, strong stick skills, and high level of game-sense. The junior is expected to be a force and major contributor for the Wolfpack.