By Jim Hintelmann
RUMSON – Rumson-Fair Haven Regional has had one of the Shore’s top field hockey programs for years, including a pair of sectional titles in 2012 and last year, but the Shore Conference championship (thanks mainly to Shore Regional winning 15 straight titles) has remained elusive.
That might change this year, as the Lady Bulldogs (16-0-2) seem to be peaking at the right time with its last win being a 6-0 shutout of Ocean Township in a Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinal match Saturday, Oct. 25. That followed an 8-0 shutout of Holmdel in the first round earlier last week.
“The girls are working hard and need to do what they have to do,” Rumson coach Julie Vaccarelli said. “The competition is getting more difficult now.”
Rumson was to play host to Freehold Township in a tournament semifinal match Wednesday, Oct. 29, after press time.
Earlier this season, Freehold Township scored three of the four goals allowed by the Rumson defense this year during a 3-3 deadlock.
–Sean Simmons
In another quarterfinal game on Saturday, Oct. 25, the Freehold Township Patriots defeated Freehold Borough 1-0.
Vaccarelli said following the Oct. 25 game that, “Ocean has a good offense and we had to prepare for it. The girls supported each other very well.”
Rumson moved out to a quick 1-0 lead on a goal by Lily Croddick off an assist by Catie Ebner, and then junior Madison McGuire, who has already committed to the University of Maryland, followed with the next two goals.
Croddick made it 4-0 by halftime with a goal that was assisted by Makenna McGuire. Abigael Donohue and Peyton McCauley finished the scoring with second half goals.
“Madison is a great player at both ends of the field,” Vaccarelli said. “When she plays at her best, the other girls play well also.”
“It’s really exciting that things are coming together,” said McGuire, who also plays lacrosse.
“Nowadays many players do it,” said McGuire in explaining her decision as a junior to attend Maryland. “So I decided to make the commitment this year.”
Rumson’s other tie was a 1-1 deadlock against Shore in a game stopped at halftime by rain.
