Cifarelli a leader at Ohio State

Former SSHS star on Tewaaraton Watch List

Posted

Ohio State and Hofstra had never met on the women’s lacrosse field prior to 2012, but a friendly rivalry appears to be developing. It’s been perfect timing for Rockville Centre native Jackie Cifarelli, who as a freshman in the first matchup between the schools registered four points for the Lady Buckeyes in a 15-9 road victory.

Last Saturday, Cifarelli enjoyed the second homecoming of her collegiate career as Ohio State topped the Pride for a third straight season, 9-8. Katie Chase scored three times as the Lady Buckeyes upped their winning streak to four games.

“I think we’re starting to build some momentum,” said Cifarelli, a junior attack who recorded the 100th assist of her career in OSU’s 11-10 overtime victory over fourth-ranked Northwestern on March 9. “We had some tough losses earlier in the year, but they were all really close and now we’re finding ways to win the close games.”

Cifarelli, who spent last Saturday under the close watch of Hofstra defender Jamie D’Arco, is a major reason why the Lady Buckeyes (6-3) cracked the nation’s Top 20. She’s on the 2014 Tewaaraton Watch List, which includes top players from all three divisions of NCAA lacrosse, and leads the team in scoring with eight goals and 22 assists.

“Jackie continues to do a nice job of being a leader out there and giving us whatever we need,” said OSU head coach Alexa Venechanos, who had an eye on recruiting Cifarelli since her sophomore year at South Side High School. “She’s an ultimate team player,” she added. “We run a lot of sets through her. She’s a great feeder, but also when she gets an opportunity to take a shot she loves doing it.”

Cifarelli is creeping up Ohio State’s all-time career point list with 153 (in 44 games), ranking her ninth and putting her within striking distance of sixth by season’s end. She said she was unaware of reaching the 100-assist plateau until someone in the school’s sports information department mentioned it. “I don’t keep track of that stuff, but it’s a nice milestone,” she said.

Cifarelli played with the program’s all-time scoring leader, Alayna Markwordt, in 2012, and the two remain good friends. “Alayna was a great role model for me and I still see her all the time,” said Cifarelli, who dished out a career-high six assists in a win over Winthrop on Feb. 9.

In addition to getting to see her family last weekend, Cifarelli played against former Lady Cyclones’ teammates Kelsey Gregerson, Hofstra’s starting goalie, and Emily Considine, an attack for the Pride who scored twice in the game. “It was fun,” Cifarelli said.

The Lady Buckeyes have eight regular-season games remaining, including conference tilts against Florida this Saturday and Michigan on April 2.

“Ohio State has been a great fit for me,” Cifarelli said. “Columbus is a great city. I couldn’t be happier.”