LINCROFT – The Brookdale Community College women’s soccer team has advanced in the winner’s bracket of the NJCAA Division III Women’s Soccer National Tournament following a 3-1 victory over District H Champion Anne Arundel (11-7) .
Brookdale (17-1) now faces Rock Valley (13-2-1) at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow. Rock Valley, the District D champion, defeated Nassau 2-1 to advance.
Region XIX player of the year Caroline Duerr put the Brookdale Blues on the board first during the game against Anne Arundel. Freshman Ashley Cafarella battled down the left side of the field and earned a throw-in to connect with Duerr in the 40th minute. A mere two minutes later, sophomore Nicole Rodriguez found herself on a breakaway only to have her attempt batted down by Anne Arundel’s Mary Grace Kelly. Rodriguez followed up on her shot and chipped it to the opposite side for the Blue’s second goal.
Anne Arundel cut the Blues’ lead to one in the 64th minute, but it wasn’t for long. Freshman Brianna Penix came in off the bench and crossed a beaut over to Rodriguez, who was able to find the back of the net for the second time.
