Ramapo women’s lacrosse continues to battle in this year’s New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC), showcasing determination despite a tough 22-8 loss to Montclair State University on Saturday.
The Red Hawks wasted no time, netting three early goals in the first quarter. Kaeley Sek scored first off of Chelsea Stack, followed by a solo effort from Lexi Robinson and a finish from Joelle D’Angelo, assisted by Cara McCartney.
Junior Erin Smeilus then put Ramapo on the board off of Esme Espinosa. Though Montclair’s Amra Lukovic quickly countered, Espinosa returned the favor, notching her own goal with an assist from Smeilus.
Montclair surged ahead with seven unanswered goals to close out the first quarter. The Red Hawks’ offense was relentless, with an unassisted from Norah Monaghan, two more from Sek with one assisted by Stack, McCartney off Sek, Robinson unassisted and two additional goals from Lukovic.
In the second quarter, Montclair added two more to their total — Kyra Morena off Stack and another from Monaghan. Ramapo kept fighting, with Espinosa netting an unassisted goal.
Back from halftime, the Roadrunners reignited their offense. Smeilus struck again, this time assisted by Kassidy Baez. Montclair answered with Robinson setting up Sek once more, followed by a solo run from Monaghan, another finish off Stack’s fourth assist. Then came back-to-back goals from McCartney, one unassisted and the other assisted by Monaghan.
Junior Leah Whitney found the back of the net before the end of the third quarter with a strong individual effort, but Montclair tacked on one more from Robinson to close out with a commanding 19-5 lead.
In the final quarter, Ramapo opened strong. Baez assisted back-to-back goals from Espinosa and Whitney, narrowing the gap slightly. The Redhawks retaliated with a goal from Morena assisted by Stack and an unassisted goal from Mia Cuccinello.
A bright moment for Ramapo came late in the game when freshman Darrien Pennachio recorded her first collegiate goal, coming off an assist from Smeilus. Montclair finished the match with an unassisted goal from Stack, setting the final at 22-8.
Montclair improved to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in NJAC play, while the Roadrunners now stand at 5-5 and 0-2 in the conference.
Ramapo’s defensive unit saw strong performances from both goalkeepers, Daniella Indomenico and Alyssa Curto, who each registered five saves. Whitney was a force on both ends, tallying four goals and three caused turnovers. Senior Lauren Travaglini contributed with three ground balls and four draw controls, while junior Bethany Glaser added two ground balls.
The Roadrunners return to action tonight as they host The College of New Jersey for their third NJAC matchup at 6 p.m.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @tessapofahlphotos, Instagram
