The Ramapo Roadrunners’ field hockey team fell short to Richard Stockton College on Saturday afternoon, suffering a 4-0 loss. It was the last game of the season for the Roadrunners as they honored their three departing seniors in the annual tradition of Senior Day.
The Roadrunners fell flat to the Osprey of Stockton, only registering three shot attempts in the entire match and only one was saved by Stockton’s goalie, junior Liz Stankiewicz. In total, they were outshot 22-3, with a flurry of shots and goals coming late in the second half of the game for the Ospreys. The loss puts the Roadrunners at a final record of 0-16 for the season.
“Even though the outcome of most of the games was what we hoped for,” said Danisleydis Hernandez, one of three seniors honored at halftime, “we always gave it our all in every game and practice.”
The Roadrunners had their struggles in the game, but kept the Ospreys on their heels early, with a great defensive performance in the first half, only allowing eight shots. A stout defense, plus key saves by goalkeeper Alicia Lyons, who was also honored as a senior, kept Ramapo afloat after the first 35 minutes.
However, Stockton stepped up their offensive attack in the second half, registering 14 shots, almost double what they produced the half before. They also scored four goals in 16 minutes while holding Ramapo to one shot in the entire half. Lyons, who is ranked fifth in saves all-time for Ramapo, managed to make 16 saves in the Osprey blitz, and was given a large applause when exiting the game with less than a minute remaining.
Despite the disappointing performance, the Roadrunners managed to honor their seniors the best they could, holding a brief ceremony at halftime for the three student-athletes’ final game. Each were met by family members and given a small token of appreciation, a picture of them in action during the season. Seniors Hernandez, Lyons and defenseman Alison Gall were each cheered for their long-term commitment to Ramapo, and the hard work that comes with being a student-athlete.
Ramapo may have had a disappointing season, but there is still promise for future years. This is just the second season under head coach Jane Koenigs with a roster that has 11 underclassmen, with all three captains returning next season. With eight freshmen taking the field this season, the amount of playing time and experience can only lead to greater success in the following years.
The Roadrunners may be losing three valuable pieces right now, but the future still looks bright for the 0-16 squad.
“I loved my time here [at Ramapo]. I am beyond proud of how the girls kept fighting until the last minute of every game,” Hernandez said.
—
mgill@ramapo.edu
