Photo by Emily Filocco
On Tuesday Sept. 15, the Ramapo College field hockey team went against the sixth ranked team in the NCAA Division III National Poll by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, The College of New Jersey Lions. The Roadrunners suffered a 7-0 loss in their first New Jersey Athletic Conference match of the season.
At the beginning of the game, Ramapo kept the ball on TCNJ’s side, surprising the experienced team with a strong opening play. For the first 15 minutes Ramapo played at TCNJ’s level. Following the fast start by the Roadrunners, TCNJ began to overwhelm the Ramapo team and started to score more frequently.
“I am very happy at how we competed, especially the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately, we just had too many chances in the circle,” Jane Koeniges, head coach, said.
Despite the lopsided score, the Ramapo defense looked strong defending TCNJ’s corner opportunities. The corner team consisted of goalkeepers sophomore Emily Kramer and freshman Emily Wisneski, forward and midfielder, sophomore Christina Bacino and defenders, sophomores Lauren Grosso and Deirdre Vira.
Ramapo defenders, senior Kristen Shea and junior Kelsey Lawrence, also helped the Roadrunners’ defensive effort. Ramapo’s offense ran from the 50-yard line to get back and support the defenders. Despite the Roadrunners’ efforts, the skilled Lions team had the upper hand with their superior ball control and team chemistry.
The TCNJ field hockey program has had tremendous success the past few years, and has built a reputation as one of New Jersey’s top teams. They have finished at the top of the NJAC standings year after year, and have won the NJAC tournament six times in the last 10 years.
“It is always a great opportunity to play a great team,” Koeniges said postgame.
Both Ramapo goalies saw plenty of action in this game, as the Lions posted a total of 19 shots on goal. Kramer played just under 40 minutes, allowing four goals while making four saves. Wisneski made seven saves in 31 minutes of play, allowing three goals against.
Senior Lindsay Hatch led the way for TCNJ offensively, totaling three goals and three assists in the game, adding to impressive season totals so far. In six games, Hatch has scored 12 goals and added 10 assists.
Ramapo’s offense was unable to get much started against TCNJ’s persistent defense. Freshman Meredith McGinnis registered Ramapo’s only shot on goal in the game.
The Lions improved to a perfect 5-0 with the win over the Roadrunners. Ramapo is now 1-6 overall and 0-1 in NJAC Conference games this season. The Roadrunners’ next game will take place today at home against DeSales University at 4 p.m. on the athletic turf.
The Roadrunners’ next NJAC Conference game will be on Sept. 27, when they travel to play Richard Stockton College. The Roadrunners will be looking to earn their first win in the NJAC Conference this season and establish themselves as a contender in the competitive NJAC.
mdunlop@ramapo.edu
