Thursday, October 1, 2026
Jules Keenan has made the coaching jump from North Shore to her alma-mater Plainedge, where she starred as a 2018 graduate.
Ironically, Keenan’s North Shore squad was eliminated by Plainedge in the first round last season. Plainedge made the semifinals but lost six seniors.
Keenan inherits a Red Devils team that has no seniors but plenty of talent, led by junior star attacker Peyton Wise. She is one of a handful of basketball players who led Plainedge to its first-ever Long Island championship. Hence, their practice time was limited.
Wise, a three-sport athlete, notched 43 goals and 11 assists in 2025. “She’s just so aggressive and has terrific vision and feel for the game,’’ Keenan said. “She’s a dynamic dodger all-around. Her basketball IQ and lacrosse go hand in hand because she sees things before they happen.’’
Freshman Delaney Auer punched in 21 goals as an eighth-grader, “She’s a huge offensive and defensive threat who also takes draws,’’ Keenan said. “She’s only a freshman but leads like an upperclassmen.’’
Fellow junior Analia Downes is expected to boost her offense. Downes has a first step that can blow by players, already considered the team’s best ground-ball fielder.
“She was more of a creator,’’ Keenan said. “There were a lot of big scorers last year. This year she’ll be a two-way middie, incredible defensively. Anyone who comes to the game will say, “that kid works so hard”. This year she’ll be more of an offensive threat.’’
A transfer from St. Anthony’s sophomore midfielder Kennedy Murnane is coming home where her sister played. She’s a lefty threat and potential top-3 scorer. “I’m very happy she came back’, Keenan said. “She can do it all.’’
Other contributors are junior defender Giovanna Pannitti, junior midfielder Ang Puglisi and junior basketball star Allison Younghans, making a return to lacrosse.
After graduating Plainedge, Keenan played lacrosse at Mercy. Now she’s back. “I always wanted to be here,’’ Keenan said. “I love Plainedge and the kids who come from Plainedge are hard-working kids who love their community.’’
To read more about the Plainedge Red Devils' 2026 boys lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.
