The Ramapo field hockey team played twice over the past week, defeating Vassar College and falling to SUNY Oneonta. Both games occurred at home, and the split moved Ramapo’s record to 2-7 having yet to play an in-conference game.
Beginning with their game against Vassar, it was the team’s first win of the year at home. After a scoreless first half, the Roadrunners got on the board in the third quarter with a goal from junior Victoria Chavez. The goal, Chavez’s third of the year, came off an assist from team captain Jesslyn Patricia.
With Ramapo taking a 1-0 lead into the fourth quarter, Vassar quickly tied things up just two minutes into the final frame of action off a goal from Mackenzie Allen, off an assist from Alexa Gwyn.
After letting up the game-tying goal, Ramapo jumped back on offense and scored just three minutes later thanks to a goal from Eliana Momm, her first of the year. Momm’s goal was assisted by sophomore forward Kayla Gray.
Senior goalkeeper Michelle Kukan was able to fend off 10 shots in the fourth quarter from Vassar, sealing the 2-1 victory for Ramapo. In total, Kukan faced 23 shots in the game and recorded 13 saves. For Vassar, Grace Wiley got credited with the loss, saving five of seven shots on goal from Ramapo.
On Saturday afternoon, the Roadrunners took to the turf against Oneonta despite incredibly wet and slippery conditions. Despite the conditions, Ramapo was able to take a 1-0 lead in the first quarter after Momm scored her second goal in as many games, assisted by Patricia.
The Roadrunners were able to take a 1-0 lead into the second half, but the Red Dragons stepped on the gas and put their offense to work in the third quarter, scoring twice in a six-minute span. The first goal was scored by Molly Miller, assisted Alexandra Howell. Then, Skylar Van Wormer netted her sixth goal of the year off an assist from Howell.
In the fourth quarter, the Red Dragons added an insurance goal off the stick of Olivia Bonelli, assisted by Von Wormer. The Roadrunners couldn’t get another possession from that point, and ended the fourth quarter with zero shot attempts.
In goal for Ramapo, Kukan tallied 11 saves on 14 shots on goal while Maura Leib got the win for Oneonta, allowing one goal and recording two saves.
The Roadrunners will have a week off to regroup before heading to Danbury, Connecticut to face Western Connecticut State University. The matchup will be the final non-conference game of the year for Ramapo, as their New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) games begin on Oct. 12 against Rowan University. The Roadrunners are looking to improve off their 2023 NJAC record of 0-5.
wjackso2@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @katierygielgraphics, Instagram
