The journey to the NCAA Tournament is just as meaningful as the destination for the Chiarella sisters. Ava and Bianca Chiarella, standout athletes from Manasquan High School, have been instrumental in leading the Rutgers women's lacrosse team to the big stage this season.
The Scarlet Knights received a spirited farewell sendoff at the Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center on Wednesday before heading to College Park, Maryland, for their first-round matchup against Princeton. The game is set to air on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 8. It's a rematch that has the team buzzing with confidence, despite a regular-season loss to the Tigers earlier this year.
Rutgers (10-8) earned an at-large bid after a tough first-round exit in the Big Ten Tournament. But for defensive midfielder Bianca Chiarella, the team's belief never wavered. "Honestly, there was never a doubt in my mind that we'd be here," she said. "From the start of the season, I knew we had what it takes. Now that we're actually here, I'm just really excited to win and keep going as far as we can."
Her sister Ava, a midfielder and senior captain, echoed that sentiment. "This is my fourth year here, and it's my first time making the tournament. It's been a goal of mine since freshman year, so getting here with my grade and this team is an amazing feeling."
Unfortunately, Ava is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an injury and is scheduled for surgery on Monday. But she's not letting that stop her from contributing. Through 15 games this season, she scored nine goals and four assists, and even from the sideline, she's found ways to support her teammates. "Right now my role is a little different than what I anticipated, but I'm giving everything I can to help us move forward," she said.
With a nine-month recovery ahead, Ava plans to return for one more season thanks to a redshirt year from her freshman season. Their parents, Saverio and Sarah, will be cheering from the stands in College Park, proud of how far their daughters have come.
As the Scarlet Knights prepare to face Princeton (11-6), the Chiarella sisters and their teammates are ready to prove that every step of this journey has been worth it. For Rutgers lacrosse, this is more than just a tournament appearance—it's a testament to resilience, family, and the love of the game.