Lightning opened the preseason tourney against local rivals Watchung Hills Flames, finishing with a 1-1 draw thanks to solid defending from Alexa Farrell and Madison Mitzner and an unassisted goal from Annie Thomas. Lightning earned a decisive victory against the Scotch Plains Breakers thanks to Thomas’s 2 assists and goals from Caitlyn Laffey, Jessica Caruso, and Nicole Picardo. Alexa drilled a penatly kick into the back of the net to ice the 4-2 Saturday afternoon victory. Regan Chatwin made 2 key saves in goal to help secure the win.  On Sunday, Lightning bested Old Bridge 3-2 thanks to 2 goals from Laffey and a goal from Picardo. Molly Mahoney and Lindsey Sheehan’s hard work in midfield were crucial to the victory, as was Brynn McKeon’s defensive effort. Needing a win in the final game against Bridgewater, Lightning opened very strong with a goal in the 1st minute by Laffey and a second in the 3rd minute by Picardo. From there the game developed into a midfield battle and thanks to some nervy defending and hard work by Allie Matthias and Ally Lindsey, Lightning finished the game 2-1 winners and on top of their bracket.