FIELD HOCKEY
By Jim Hintelmann
MIDDLETOWN – With the Shore Conference and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) field hockey tournaments coming up, unbeaten Rumson-Fair Haven Regional appears ready to make a strong run in both tourneys.
The Lady Bulldogs (11-0-2), led by Catie Ebner and Madison McGuire, who scored two goals apiece, rolled to an impressive 7-0 shutout of Middletown South Saturday, Oct. 11, in a non-conference game with its defense holding South to just two shots on goal.
“Our receptions have been better and we are seeing each other on the field,” Rumson coach Julie Vaccarelli said. “We’re improving with each game and our younger girls are getting better, but I would still like to improve a little more.”
“We’re definitely playing well,” said Ebner, who will be playing at Villanova next year. “Our younger girls are really stepping up.”
RFH began quickly as sisters Makenna and Madison Maguire scored quick goals for a 2-0 lead. Ebner followed with the next two goals to make at 4-0 at the half.
–Sean Simmons
Madison McGuire, Lily Croddick and Maggi McCann scored the second-half goals for the Lady Bulldogs, whose only blemishes on an unbeaten record were ties against Shore Regional and Freehold Township.
“The Shore game was tied at the half but then it began to rain hard,” Vaccarelli said, “and it was decided to make it a complete game rather than resuming it. Shore isn’t in our group in the states but we might play them in the Shore Conference Tournament.”
“Villanova has a good field hockey program and I’m looking forward to playing there,” Ebner said. “ I’ve met the players and coaches and they are great.”
Middletown South played better in the second half, but still could not get through the tough Rumson defense.
“Rumson plays like a cohesive unit,” South coach Nina D’Urso said. “They know how to communicate with each other. They know where the ball is going and have very strong skill people.”
D’Urso was pleased that her team didn’t give up despite trailing the whole game.
“For the most part, we wanted to play with more confidence and adapt to Rumson’s skill potential,” D’Urso said. “We also challenged for every 50-50 ball well and will get better with each game.”
