Green Knights Knock Off Glen Rock 12-3

By: Cathal Donohoe '26- SJR Media

An explosive first half against Glen Rock is all it took to propel SJR lacrosse to their first in-state win of the season.

The Green Knights poured in seven goals in the first 24 minutes of action and jumped out to a 7-2 lead at halftime, which put them on their way to a 12-3 win.

"The offense moved the ball well today," said Coach Dan DaPonte.

"The big phrase we're trying to spread is 'we before me.' It doesn't matter who scores; we scored as a team. They're unselfish, which is exactly what we need this year."

Senior Jayden Baldwin got things going for SJR, notching the first goal of the game just over three minutes in. Glen Rock then responded four minutes later as Jack Tarrant found the back of the net to even the score at one. Things were even at one until Tommy Langenmyer scored an unassisted goal with 26 seconds left in the first quarter, giving SJR an early edge heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter is where the Green Knights blew the game wide open. Jaynk Krisulevicz sparked the surge with an early goal, and Baldwin followed with his second of the day. Krisulevicz then scored his second, and the Green Knights were dealing after over three minutes of play.

Jason Lake extended the lead midway through the period, and Krisulevicz capped off his hat trick before halftime, finishing off a five-goal second quarter for SJR.

The second quarter was big," said Coach DaPonte.

"We started a little bit slow. Maybe the first two shots weren't great, but once it started to click, we became a very dangerous team.?When we start clicking for four quarters straight, I think we could stay with anybody and beat anybody."

The Green Knights carried their second-quarter momentum into the third and continued to build on their lead. Just 45 seconds into the quarter, Baldwin connected with Sean Cummings for another goal, picking up right where the offense left off. Krisulevicz then added another goal on the day, while Matt Gorham and Jason Lake added to SJR's lead.  That ended things in the third quarter at 10-2, and SJR was well on its way to a 2-1 start to the season with a 12-3 victory.

It was a good team effort," said Coach DaPonte.

"A few mistakes here and there, but considering such a veteran offense with 10th graders, 11th graders, and 12th graders who've gone through it before, they handle it pretty well on their own."

The Green Knights will now face IMG Academy on Thursday, April 9, before they return to their NJ schedule against Wayne Valley on April 14th.