TCNJ Women’s Soccer Claims the Top Spot in the NJAC.
By: Mark Barroso
EWING-- The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team exited the locker room yelling in anticipation of their game against New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Rowan University under the lights at Lions Stadium Tuesday night.
The women’s soccer team got hyped up as they ran onto the field with some cheers from the Lions football team who were just coming off of it after their practice.
The Lions emphatically claimed first place in the NJAC with their 2-0 win over their rivals, Profs.
The win gives TCNJ an automatic first round bye in the 2010 NJAC Championship Tournament.
“It’s awesome. We always have a bye,” said forward Jessica Davilla of earning the pass. “At least that is what coach Russo tells us.”
The first round bye is “well deserved” said head coach Joe Russo.
“They played with a lot of energy. It was a good result for us.” Russo secured his 371st win and completed his 21st regular season as Lions’ head coach.
Senior defender Brittany McGinley was the lone scorer of the game. Her first goal was a shot from 25 yards out that found the upper-right corner of the net 28:43 into the game. Her second goal came with 16:41 left in the game.
“It’s huge,” said McGinley of her accomplishment of scoring two goals. “We played really well. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity if it weren’t for my teammates.”
There were two main factors which attributed to the loss for Rowan: The injury of their best player, and the lack of an offense that could score on synthetic turf.
A collision 3:18 into the game with a TCNJ player, caused forward Jess Babice to leave the game with what was believed to be an ankle injury.
The Profs are not used to playing without Babice, since she is one of three leaving seniors. The team that was out on the field Tuesday is basically the team the Profs will playing with next season.
With Babice out, TCNJ made a position change.
“When she (Babice) was gone,” said Davilla. “Brittany went to forward and scored two goals.”
TCNJ had 28 total shots in the game, while Rowan had six. Kendra Griffith recorded two saves and her 10th shutout. Deana Wood made five saves for the Profs.
Both of these teams won their previous games of this season. Rowan defeated Kean University last week 4-3 in double overtime. TCNJ defeated New Jersey City University 4-0, by scoring three goals in the second half.
Prior to Tuesday night’s game, McGinley, who is a junior athletically due to a medical redshirt earlier in her career, along with seniors Brianna Brennan, Casey Caruso, Julianne Delorenzo, and Jackie Levowsky were honored as it was “Senior Day” for the Lions.
Rowan head coach Scott Leacott could only wish all of the Profs’ seniors a good night. If the injury to Babice is severe, then the Profs head into the NJAC Tournament without the player who can score the most.
The final pairings for the 2010 NJAC Tournament will be determined after the last of the conference games on Wednesday, October 27th. Behind the Lions in the NJAC is second place William Paterson and Rowan in third place.
“It’s win or go home.” Russo said. “There’s some urgency to the whole situation.”
Contact Mark Barroso at barroso2@tcnj.edu
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