7 Earn Postseason Honors for Sussex Lacrosse

The 'Landers lacrosse program had seven members honored in Region 19 and GSAC for the 2023 season.

Cody Cooper (Kittatinny HS) and Matt Bruno (Jefferson HS) were both named to the All Region 19 Team, with Cooper also being named Player of the Year in the Garden State Athletic Conference.

"Both of these kids have done so much for our program," said head Coach Steve Manitta.  "Their efforts have made recruits take notice of how much fun we're having over here."

Cooper, a sophomore 2-way midfielder, led the team in assists (15) and ground balls, while Bruno was named to his second straight All GSAC and Region 19 team as a close defenseman.

Lou Merlino (Pope John HS) was also honored as one of the GSAC's top defenders. "Lou Merlino and Matt Bruno were the two top defenders in the NJCAA in NJ," Manitta continued.

Freshman goaltender Liam MacClugage (Delaware Valley PA HS) was named as the top goalie in the GSAC. "We knew 20 minutes into our first fall practice together that we would be in every game because of Liam," Manitta said. "He doesn't play like a freshman. He's so relaxed in the goal. His ability to create transition off a save allowed us to play an up tempo style of lacrosse that kept us competitive in each game."

Freshman Jeremiah Carfello (Vernon HS) and sophomore Luke Wilson (Sparta HS) also earned All GSAC honors, with Head Coach Steve Manitta being named Region 19 Co-Coach of the Year. 

Wilson led the team in goals (17), and Carfello developed into a true threat on the offensive end of the field as well as one of the teams top 2-way midfielders.

"I'm excited for the future of this program," Manitta concluded. "We're returning a ton of talent, the incoming class is a special group, and the support from everyone here at Sussex has put us on a nice path to success."