John Jay girls lacrosse wins a thriller on senior night

Finja Degl (10) waits to celebrate with her teammates after scoring her fourth goal of the fourth quarter. Molly Gallagher recorded her 250th career save in victory over Suffern. Jane Brennan controls for John Jay in senior night win over Suffern. Jojo Degl avoids a check in transition for the Wolves.  Jim MacLean Photos

By JIM MACLEAN

John Jay senior goalie Molly Gallagher picked a perfect night to have her best lacrosse game ever for the Wolves.

It was senior night on May 19, as John Jay hosted Suffern, a battle between two of the top teams in Section 1, and the two teams went back-and-forth all night long. Suffern pulled ahead in the third quarter and had the momentum, but Gallagher kept the Wolves in it and inspired her teammates for a big finish.

Gallagher recorded her 250th career save late in the first half, but the best was yet to come as she made one big save after another in the second half and the Wolves rallied for a thrilling 12-11 victory.

“We were down, and I just had to get the ball back, I had one job to do and had to stay focused,” explained Gallagher. “This game always means a lot for the seniors. It’s mind blowing, an amazing team-win for the seniors against a really good team.”

While Gallagher shut the door to keep it close and turn the momentum, it was then a sophomore on the other end of the field that took over in the fourth quarter to lead the Wolves to the victory.

Trailing 8-9 entering the fourth quarter, Finja Degl turned it on and was unstoppable scoring four goals in about seven minutes to put the Wolves on top 12-10. Suffern scored with three seconds left to make the final score 12-11, but the fourth quarter was all Finja as she took over the game. The sophomore finished with six goals overall to lead the Wolves to the victory, and she did it for the seniors, including her sister, All-American Jojo Degl.

“I just had to go, work the two-man with my sister and go to the goal, I just wanted it for our seniors,” Finja said after the game. “I really wanted it for my sister. I’ve played with her my whole life and I can’t believe she’s going to be gone, and this was our last regular season game on this field. She’s always been my motivation.”

John Jay jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead in the first quarter, but Suffern rallied to tie it up at 6-6 in the half.

Senior captain Jordan Kauftheil registered the hat trick with three goals for the Wolves in the first half, her third goal coming with 1:28 left to give John Jay a 7-6 lead at halftime.

Micayla DeVeaux scored a pair of goals for John Jay, and Coco Inglis also scored a goal. Senior captains Jojo Degl and Jane Brennan each had an assist. Amelia Inglis also had an assist, and Gallagher finished with 11 saves in goal for the Wolves.

“This was Molly’s best game I’ve ever seen her play without a doubt, she changed the game around for us today, she was amazing,” Jojo Degl said of Gallagher. “Finja killed it, she was on fire. I’m just so grateful for every person on this team. We really fought today for the seniors. I’m lucky to be a part of such an amazing class. An overall team win, super proud of everyone.”

With the victory, John Jay finished the regular season with a 12-4 overall record. Suffern earned the top-seed in the Section 1 Class A tournament, a good test for the Wolves entering the postseason.

“I love playing Suffern, historically a powerhouse, just a great game back and forth,” said John Jay coach Jesssica McDonough. “Molly came up with some really big saves and changed the momentum. She set a new standard for herself, just so proud of her. Fin had a great game, and all the seniors. They all showed up and played for each other from the first whistle to the last. They never gave up, even when Suffern went on their run, our girls battled back. It was a great game to get ready for the playoffs.”

John Jay enters the Section 1 Class C tournament as the third seed. The Wolves will host No. 14-seed Byram Hills in the first round on Friday, May 23. The winner advances to the quarterfinals Wednesday, May 28.