By BRIAN TORTELLA

Correspondent

On X @tortreports

Avery Roberts and Riley MacHenry have been Batman and Robin for the Clearview Regional High girls lacrosse team, combining for 31 goals throughout the first seven games of the 2024 season.

They naturally continued their dominance in Clearview’s 16-9 victory over Woodstown on Monday night in what was the Pioneers’ celebratory Senior Night. 

The duo combined for five goals, the most notable coming in the first half when Roberts notched her 100th career goal. Although an impressive individual accomplishment, the senior was quick to credit her teammates when asked about reaching the milestone. 

“It was awesome,” Roberts, a senior, said. “Obviously the camaraderie of this team makes all those accolades so much more special. It really shows the team effort that we have on this field. A lot of those goals were not just from me chasing through five girls. We had a lot of assists on this team, which really makes it special.”

Both Roberts and MacHenry, who is still just a junior, said they plan to continue their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level for West Chester University. MacHenry committed to WCU in November, while Roberts followed suit in March. MacHenry said she was delighted by the news and the exciting opportunity to continue playing with her longtime teammate. 

“Finding out recently that Avery committed to play lacrosse at West Chester has meant everything to me,” MacHenry said. “I have always looked up to her as a player, a teammate, and most of all, a friend. She’s a great leader and brings the best energy every day. I am so excited to continue my lacrosse career with Avery at West Chester.”

The hope and belief around Clearview country is that the Pioneers will be able to make some noise come playoff time in five weeks. No one has more confidence that Roberts and MacHenry will successfully lead the way as well as excel at WCU than second-year coach Jamie Sutton.

“I think these two girls work well with the attack and midfield unit to lead us into the playoffs as a team,” Sutton said. “Both the defense and offense have been connecting and bringing their all to each game we play. Both girls will do well at West Chester University. They already have the team bond from high school, which I believe they will take with them into college. They have a good eye for the field and what is best for their team, so I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact at West Chester like they are doing at Clearview.” 

WHAT’S NEXT: Clearview (4-3; 2-1 SJILL American) travels to West Deptford today at 4 p.m.