The Ramapo College field hockey team celebrated Senior Day on Saturday, despite falling to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) by a final score of 4-0. The loss was the first time the Roadrunners have been shutout this season since their first game of the year against SUNY New Paltz.
TCNJ scored its first goal just three minutes into the game, as Sophia Foschini scored off an assist from Jess Hatch. The Lions then scored again in the second quarter courtesy of a goal from Sophie Popp, her 14th of the season. The Roadrunners then let up two goals in the third quarter to TCNJ’s Carly Cole and Claire Engebreth. This makes two games in a row Ramapo has let up four goals in a game, the most they’ve let up in a game all season.
TCNJ goalkeeper Dani Britton recorded eight saves and played all 60 minutes, while Ramapo goalkeeper Michelle Kukan let up two goals in 20 minutes. The Roadrunners then went to backup goalkeeper Erika Roura for the remaining 40 minutes, though she also allowed two goals. Kukan recorded two saves during her time in net, while Roura tallied a career-high eight saves.
TCNJ controlled possession of the ball for the majority of the match and outshot Ramapo 19 to 12, including 12 to 4 in the first half. Ramapo did have their opportunities to score, however, as they were awarded more penalty corners than TCNJ.
It is now hard to imagine Ramapo earning a spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) playoffs, as the team currently sits fifth in the division with a 10-5 overall record, and 2-3 in conference. The Roadrunners’ final game will come on Saturday, Oct. 29 against No. 1 Rowan University, a must-win NJAC matchup.
Despite the loss, the energy for the day was still high as the team celebrated the senior student-athletes on the team. The pregame ceremony highlighted both the on-field and academic careers of the senior Roadrunners.
The seniors walked onto the field with their families where they were surrounded by their teammates, coaches and President Cindy Jebb. The players honored were Mariah Tovar, Colleen Farrell, Katie Yarussi, Maggie Farrell, Macie Werynski, Victoria Docherty, Lucy Mackenzie, Clare Nugent, Emily Ricciardi, Gabbi Gomez and Tori Waschek.
“Even though a win would have been a nice way to end senior day, in the bigger picture, it didn’t damper the day or ruin the celebration,” said Waschek. “The underclassmen, coaches, families and friends, the athletic department and everybody else really made the day special for each of us.”
“After 11 of us going through this program for four years together, we have definitely made an impact on helping shape Ramapo field hockey, with numerous record-breaking marks and achievements,” she continued. “No matter how our season ends this year, we are thankful for the opportunities we’ve had to play together and are honored to leave everything we built to the underclassmen below us so they can continue on building and bettering Ramapo field hockey.”
wjackso2@ramapo.edu
Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics.
