Shore sisters head to NCAA Tournament with Rutgers women's lacrosse

PISCATAWAY -- As they headed off to play in the NCAA Tournament, it isn't the destination, it's the journey for Ava and Bianca Chiarella, sisters out of Manasquan High School who have been key players for the Rutgers women's lacrosse team. The team received a farewell sendoff at the Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center on Wednesday before departing for College Park, Maryland for a first-round game against Princeton. The game will be aired on ESPN+ at 2 p.

m. Friday, May 8. More: Shore Conference girls lacrosse rankings.

See who's new in the Top 20 teams The Scarlet Knights (10-8), who received an at-large bid, lost in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, and also suffered a setback to Princeton when the teams played earlier this season. Still, the Chiarella sisters and teammates expressed confidence about the rematch against the Tigers (11-6). "Honestly, there was never a doubt in my mind (about being selected for the tournament)," said Bianca, a defensive midfielder.

"From the beginning of the season I knew that we were going to have a record and a season that was going to bring us here and now that we're actually here I'm just really excited to win and keep going as far as we can. " "I think this is my fourth year here, my first time making it to the tournament so obviously it's been a goal of mine since freshman year, getting it my senior year with my grade and this team is an amazing feeling," said Ava, who plays midfield. Senior captain Ava Chiarella to help from sidelines Their parents Saverio and Sarah will be in attendance for the game.