Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics.
It was an encouraging win on Tuesday, Oct. 12 for the Ramapo College field hockey team as they took down Montclair State University on the road. The Roadrunners narrowly edged out a 1-0 victory in Montclair, N.J., with the win being highlighted by Victoria Docherty scoring her 19th goal of the season. That goal was significant, not only because it was the deciding factor in a tense NJAC matchup, but it set the single season goals record for the Ramapo field hockey program.
“I’m really excited that I was able to accomplish something this big. My team has been my number one supporters through this whole experience,” said Docherty. Assisting on Docherty’s goal was none other than Mariah Tovar, extending the program assist record she broke earlier this season. This goal pushed Ramapo to yet another win this season, and this was one that was long overdue.
Entering this matchup, Ramapo was 0-17 all time against Montclair, the alma mater of head coach Jennifer Tafro. “Breaking the record against Montclair makes it even better considering we have never been able to beat them,” Docherty continued.
The season is going better than most originally expected at the beginning, and the Roadrunners aren’t done yet. Already the best team in program history, the team has a chance to enter the NJAC playoffs and make some noise.
“The feeling after winning this game was incredible,” said junior defender Emily Ricciardi. “Making history yet again has shown everyone that we have been working so hard to better ourselves and this program. We didn’t give up and stood our ground.”
As for the rest of the game, goalie Michelle Kukan was able to give Ramapo their sixth shutout victory of the season. The freshman had six saves, and she was greatly helped by the Roadrunner defense, which was able to control possession and limit opportunities for MSU.
Unfortunately, Ramapo’s good fortune ended on Saturday, Oct. 16 when they faced sixth ranked Rowan University. This game ended in an 8-0 loss in Mahwah, N.J.. Rowan was able to dominate possession throughout the game, holding the Roadrunners to three shots on goal in the entirety of the game. Rowan was superior in every aspect of the game, from penalty corners to shots on goals. Ramapo did not show many signs of life.
Thankfully, this game did not take them out of playoff contention, with Ramapo’s 10-4 record currently putting them in third place in the NJAC standings. There are two more conference games left on the schedule, both coming up this week. It will not be an easy ride, as the next game for the Roadrunners will be against The College of New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 23 in Ewing, N.J..
wjackso2@ramapo.edu
