Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
The Roadrunners looked to continue their winning ways and extend their winning streak to three games. They did just that as they dominated the College of St. Elizabeth 18-2.
Ramapo’s third year head coach Jane Koeniges thinks that having continuity in the offense and defense benefits the Roadrunners.
“I think we’re starting to have more time playing with each other, which helps us on both ends of the field, because we’re playing with the same girls now and the same defense and the same attack, so that helps every game. As you get through, you get better,” said Koeniges.
Senior captain Lindsay Hughes, who is the lacrosse program’s all-time career leader in goals scored, was the top scorer for the Roadrunners in this game with five, while sophomore Victoria Cunningham had a huge day with three goals and four assists. Junior Katie Duca had two goals of her own, while freshman Molly Warner, junior captain Briana Vitulano, senior captain Lacey Gruendling, junior captain Nina Bocina, sophomore Alyssa Tachon, junior Emma Bolton, sophomore Brianna Himpele and freshman Hayley Luisa all scored one goal each in Friday’s game.
Hughes set the tone for the Roadrunners with an early goal to give the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead, which was assisted by Tachon. This was her 26th goal of the season. Then, Cunningham scored unassisted with 26:17 on the clock to extend the Roadrunner lead to two goals for her 12th goal of the season.
The College of St. Elizabeth got on the board when senior Amanda Inacio scored an unassited goal, her 26th goal of the season. Cunningham scored her second unassisted goal of the game 21 seconds later.
Afterward, senior Riley Hosey scored on a free position shot for her sixth goal of the season.
Then, Hughes scored her second goal of the game and her 27th of the season to ignite a string of 15 unanswered goals for the Roadrunners that decided the game. Sophomore Tara Ward took the win as the Roadrunner goalie, while fellow sophomore Monica Bubello and freshman Tiffani Romeo saw a combined 46 minutes of action in the net. Bubello and Ward each had one save in Friday’s game.
Sophomore Marissa Cooney said that the Roadrunners have been working on their offensive attack.
“We’ve been working on our plays and getting open for the ball; also, waiting for the right layup, not forcing through,” said Cooney.
Cunningham sensed that the Roadrunners had a desire to win Friday’s game.
“We were really excited. We knew we all wanted to win that game kind of hard that day, and we did exactly that,” said Cunningham.
Gruendling felt that the Roadrunners had a strong practice to prepare for The College of Old Westbury.
“Today we practiced really well. We were all in a really good mood helping each other out,” said Gruendling.
The Roadrunners wound up losing a heartbreaker to Panthers by a score of 10-9, but they won yesterday against the Knights of Mount Saint Mary College 11-9.
The Roadrunners will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Manhattanville College.
pmcguire@ramapo.edu
