Seniors Eccleston, Gray, conclude Hill home careers on sidelines against Lawrenceville

POTTSTOWN >> It certainly wasn’t the final home game either envisioned — even before a 15-9 loss to rival Lawrenceville.

But for Hill School’s two seniors Tanner Eccleston and Tess Gray what really has gone to plan during the past two springs?

Both out with injuries, Eccleston and Gray didn’t see the field Saturday other than a ceremonial draw control before the game started.

They made the most of the moment as they’ve tried to do quite often in the final two seasons of their Hill careers — one without games due to COVID and the other shortened for both by COVID and injury.

“Honestly the people on the team, that’s what makes it great,” Eccleston said. “Obviously playing lacrosse, playing any sport, we’re lucky. Especially after COVID and everything we’re lucky to be out here, but it’s the team that makes it all worth it.”

The youthful Blues on the field entered Saturday with a chance to earn a share of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League championship. They fell short, but even without their seniors they hung tough with a Lawrenceville squad that grabbed another MAPL title (previously winning in 2018 and 2019 as well).

Emma Lewis (2022) netted four goals, including a first-half hat trick that helped Hill stay within one, 5-4, at halftime. Annabella Schaffer (2023) scored twice with Piper Schmidt (2023), Meg MacMurray (2024) and Mary Kathryn Barnhart (2024) both adding one goal apiece. Goalie Sam Cifra (2023) made 18 saves.

Jaelyn Bennett (four goals, four assists), Bella Koch (four goals, three assists) and Caroline Foster (three goals, two assists) guided Lawrenceville to victory.

The Blues rallied from a 9-5 second-half deficit with three straight goals to pull within one, 9-8, before Lawrenceville answered with six consecutive scores of its own to put Hill away.

“This was probably the biggest game with any implications for this season, so it was really good experience for the girls that we’ll take into next year for sure,” Hill coach Mo Gaitan said. “But our younger players are just really doing a great job learning the ropes and their role and voice on the team.”

Gray injured her ankle following the team’s first game of the season. Eccleston suffered a concussion last weekend, keeping her out of the past two contests and possibly the season finale against Princeton Day School on Tuesday.

Their absence is quite noticeable on a squad filled with freshmen and sophomores.

“It’s really emotional,” Gaitan said. “It’s emotional and challenging because they are the lifeblood of our program and specifically of our defense. Our top three defenders were out in the game today. It’s just hard to not have that experienced voice on the field in any capacity.”

Despite their on-field absence, Gray and Eccleston found ways to stay involved and that was on display Saturday.

The two seniors pulled teammates to the side for a pep talk or a quick piece of advice throughout the game. They gave the halftime speech primer before Gaitan addressed her team. 

It’s important for both to remain a big part of the team and the program as they close out their careers.

“It’s a different perspective looking on from the sideline, but it’s a unique perspective because I really get to see the team work together and all the highs and lows,” Eccleston said. “I’ve honestly appreciated getting to see the team work without us.”

“It’s more like, ‘We’re out here. We’re doing this. At least we get to be out here,’” Gray said. “It’s not, ‘We have to be out here.’ It’s, ‘We get to be out here.’”

Gray will continue her career at Coastal Carolina next season and Eccleston at Trinity College.

Like Gaitan, they’re optimistic for what lies ahead for the rest of the Blues returning to Hill next year.

They’ve had ample opportunity to watch what’s in store.

“For me, it’s the growth of the program I’ve seen over my four years,” Gray said on what’s made her career at Hill special. “And I’m so excited to watch these games next year.”