On Monday, April 29, the Tenafly Girls’ Lacrosse team celebrated 5 seniors graduating the program, all of whom are captains: Claudia Perales-Garcia, Jemma Bienenfeld, Gabriella Man, Ayla Uram, and Emma Darche. The Varsity team, coached by Head Coach Devin Feeney, played against Saddle Brook High School.
Immediately after school, non-seniors on Varsity hurried to the Geissinger Field to help decorate the bleachers and stands. The girls’ enthusiasm was undeterred by the sweltering heat that pushed temperatures above 85℉. Armed with balloons, ribbons, posters, and some sugary snacks to boost their energy levels, the girls transformed the field into a vibrant display of Tiger pride. As the weather started to cool, the girls stepped back to admire their work, proud of the transformation they had achieved in under two hours. At 5:15 p.m., the five seniors arrived in matching French braids and orange, tiger-striped bows.
“I’m glad that I made new friends from all different grades, and I’m so proud of all the hard work my underclassmen have done for me so that I could have the best senior night,” Man said.
However, Senior Night took an unexpected turn when the lightning alarm sounded its warning. Despite the seemingly perfect weather, the blaring alarm signaled for immediate action, prompting coaches, players, and organizers to swiftly rush into the safety of Tenafly Middle School’s gym. What about the decorations? The food? The game?
Players anxiously waited for an update from Coach Feeney or Mr. Joseph Carollo, THS’ athletic director. At 6:40 p.m., after over an hour of the girls making TikToks, taking pictures, and debating whether or not the celebrations would be postponed, Mr. Carollo announced that he needed to prioritize our safety so the event would have to be rescheduled. As the girls stood on the steps listening to his deliberation and watching their opponents getting directed to load the bus, a wave of regret and frustration flooded over everyone’s faces. Just as everyone began packing their belongings to return home, a second “all-clear” alarm rang. The girls rejoiced as they realized the celebrations could continue. With a renewed sense of excitement and relief, the girls quickly regrouped and rushed to the field to resume the festivities, determined to make the most of Senior Night.
At 7 p.m., the ceremonies commenced. Varsity players adorned in their white uniforms and orange tiger bows formed two lines on either side of the orange and black balloon arch and held their sticks aloft. Amidst cheers and applause, the players, joined by their parents and siblings, walked under the raised sticks and through the arch. At the end of the arch, each player was greeted with a bouquet of flowers, a token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work throughout the season.
“Seeing all my friends and family cheering me on in the crowd was the best,” Darche said. As the sun began to dip below the horizon at 7:30 p.m., casting a warm glow over the field, the game against Saddle Brook started and the Tigers scored the first goal. This goal set the tone for what would be an exciting match, and the closest in the season for the Tigers. “It was really great seeing all the girls excited and working hard for the entire game,” Perales-Garcia, the current manager of the team who played goalie for her sophomore and junior years, said.
After the game, the girls were greeted with a lavish display of Asian cuisine. With heaping plates of dumplings and glasses filled with sparkling apple cider, the girls retreated to the bleachers to listen to speeches given by underclassmen.
“It was clear how close we’ve all gotten these past few years and how much fun we have together,” Perales-Garcia said. After the dinner, the seniors were given a photo book and a pair of flannel pants printed with the logo of the university they plan to attend this fall. Garcia plans to major in medicine at Universidad San Pablo CEU in Madrid, Bienenfeld plans to major in sociology at the University of Maryland, Uram plans to major in psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Darche plans to major in political science at Lehigh University, and Man will be participating in the Muhlenberg and UPenn Dental BS/DMD 7-year program.
Despite the confusion and chaos that followed the lightning alarm, Senior Night was extremely successful. Besides just celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the team as the 2024 season comes to a close, this is a bittersweet moment for the seniors.
“Always give your best effort because your time on the team will go by a lot quicker than you realize,” Uram said. In the off-season, the seniors encourage girls on the team to continue practicing and attending clinics to improve their skills. “It’s so much fun to meet girls from other schools, and it helps you a lot to prepare for the actual season,” Bienenfeld said. The seniors are grateful to have shared this season with all of their amazing teammates and coaches, and they will be missed!
If you want to support the Tenafly Girls’ Lacrosse team and order merchandise, check out the online store: https://tenglax24.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Orders are due Monday, May 6!
