LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - The Monmouth University field hockey team fell in the Northeast Conference Tournament finals to top-seeded Rider, 1-0, Saturday afternoon at Rider's New Turf Field.
Monmouth concludes its season at 15-5 which is the best record in program history.
Rider recorded the game-winner with 3:01 left in regulation when Alicia Govannicci collected a rebound in front of the cage and beat Monmouth goalkeeper Melissa Katz [Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional [Michigan State]).
Monmouth threatened with 20 minutes left in regulation when sophomore Michelle Pieczynski (Doylestown, Pa./Central Buck West) found classmate Kimmy Baligian (Whitehouse Station, N.J./Hunterdon Central) in the circle who had two shots on cage, both attempts were saved by Broncs' goalkeeper Rebecca Lotito.
Katz made six saves in cage for the Blue and White while Lotito turned away three shots.
Rider controlled the shots, 16-4, and penalty corners, 15-5.
Seniors Melissa Katz and Nora Bosmans (Oakhurst N.J./Ocean Township) and sophomore Nicole Manziano (Monroe Township, N.J./Monroe Township) were named to the 2010 NEC All-Tournament Team.
