LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. ? The Monmouth University field hockey team ended their final push for the NEC tournament Friday afternoon as they fell to NEC rival, Rider, 2-0 in Lawrenceville, N.J. Needing a win over Rider and a Robert Morris victory over St. Francis University (Pa.) in order to become the last seed of the NEC tournament, the Hawks received neither, falling just short and ending the season 3-15 overall.
Coach Carli Figlio quoted, “Its heartbreaking to lose, especially to a rival. But I couldn't be more proud of how the team has come together and improved throughout the season.”
The Hawks got into an early deficit to start the game when Rider's Virginia Egusquiza smacked a shot on the top of the circle past Monmouth goalie Melissa Katz (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) to give the Broncs a 1-0 lead five minutes into play. Five minutes later, Rider took a breakaway pass behind the Hawks defense and put in a five yard shot to give the Broncs the 2-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half saw no scoring as the game ended in a 2-0 victory for Rider. Rider will now enter the NEC tournament as a top two seed pending the outcome of NEC-leading Lock Haven's game this evening.
Katz made 10 saves on the afternoon for the Hawks bringing her season total to 116 saves. She finished in the top five of the NEC in save percentage, saves, and goals against average.
Seniors lead the attack for the Hawks again as Aubrey Clark (Petersburg, N.J./Ocean City) and Molly Passarella (Atco, N.J./Hammonton) each tallied a shot on goal for the game. Sophomores Meredith Violi (Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg) and Nora Bosmans (Oakhurst, N.J./Ocean Township) also got in the act as they each had a shot on goal as well.
For the game, the Broncs outshot the Hawks 18-5 and lead in corner opportunities, 17-6.
As the season comes to a close, Monmouth will bid farwell to seven seniors who have helped change he Hawks field hockey program for the better. “I am extremely proud of the seven seniors leaving us, as they have been the cornerstone of this team all season long,” prided coach Figlio. “They have put their heart and soul into this program, and we will forever be in debt to them for the impact they have had on this program.”
After going 4-12 last season, Coach Figlio will take an overall record of 7-27 going into the 2009 season. After falling just one game short of the playoffs, Figlio's squad will look to improve on this season's 3-15 record and earn a spot in the NEC playoffs.
