By Jim Hintelmann
RUMSON – Rumson-Fair Haven Regional has had one of the Shore’s top field hockey programs the past few years but one goal has remained elusive, the Lady Bulldogs are still seeking their first Shore Conference championship.
Shore Regional has been the team blocking the way as it has won the last 15 championships, but Rumson’s chances of winning appear to be better this season. A run at the championship got under way in impressive fashion Tuesday with a first round 8-0 rout of Holmdel.
“I think that we are ready now,” said Rumson coach Julie Vaccarelli, whose team is now 15-0-2. “The girls are working hard, but the field is very strong and we are just going to take the games one a time. Everyone is strong and we have to be ready.”
Rumson was in control of the game from the start in defeating Holmdel for the third time this season. The team outshot the Hornets 28-0.
“We’re the top seed this year,” Vaccarelli said. “We were upset by Freehold in the semifinals last year and made the finals two years ago but lost to Shore.”
Freshman Emma D’Amelio led the way for the Lady Bulldogs with three goals and was backed up by Madison McGuire, who scored twice, and Maggie Jennings, who scored once with three assists. Abigael Donohue and Megan MacGillis scored a goal each for RFH.
Rumson has outscored its opponents 108-4 this year. Shore scored a goal in an early season match that ended up 1-1 a tie after being halted by rain at halftime. The game was not resumed and declared official by mutual agreement of both coaches. Freehold Township scored the other three goals in a 3-3 tie.
Despite the loss, Holmdel coach Melissa Murphy has been happy with Holmdel’s 8-6-2 record.
–Sean Simmons
“We’re playing beyond our potential,” Murphy said. “This is a younger team than the one we had last year, but the record is better. Rumson has a lot of skilled people and a strong youth program.
“They execute the penalty corners very well and they are the best in the Shore,” she said. “I’ll be watching them in the Shore Conference finals.”
Both coaches played their high school field hockey at Shore Regional for the recently retired legendary coach, Nancy Williams.
