Lawrence squad forced to forfeit games over error

Field HockeyLHS discovered ineligible player after first four Cardinal victories

By: Steve Feitl
   The Lawrence High School field hockey team was well on its way to a successful season when four victories were swept away from the Cardinals this past week.
   The Cardinal athletic staff discovered Monday that the team had been using an ineligible player for its four wins over Nottingham, Notre Dame, Steinert and West Windsor-Plainsboro South.
   Due to state athletic laws, the Cardinals were forced to forfeit the four games, turning a 4-0 record into an 0-4 mark.
   LHS athletic director Ken Mason said it was a clerical error that led to the Cardinals using an ineligible player.
   "As soon as the error was discovered, we reported it to the conference and the state," Mason said. "Upon their review of the transfer rule, it was determined the student was to sit out for 30 days starting with the first game. Our first game was Sept. 10. When that did not occur, every game she appeared in, we had to forfeit."
   The player in question was a sophomore who transferred to LHS from The Pennington School in time for the start of the school year.
   Mason noted the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association does allow her to practice with the team and be on the sidelines, but not participate in any varsity or junior varsity contests for the 30 days.
   The waiting period officially ends on Oct. 10, meaning she will be eligible for the Cardinals’ game at Allentown on Oct. 11.
   Despite the setback, the Cardinals have gotten back to work in a very successful manner.
   On Tuesday, Lawrence (2-4) recorded its second-straight official win when the Cardinals defeated Princeton, 1-0. Kelly Immordino scored the lone goal on an assist from Allie Gropp. Goaltender Kelly Hanlon recorded the shutout.
   The new winning streak is important to the Cardinals, if they plan to make the state tournament. To be eligible for the postsesason, Lawrence will need to have a winning record on Oct. 19. In order to do so, the Cardinals need to win five of their next seven games.
   Mason was impressed with the team’s resolve in the face of the unusual circumstances.
   "The kids are a lot more resilient than the rest of us," Mason said. "I have a first-year coach in Lauren Fares, who has done an incredible job up until this point and now has to overcome this.
   "But the girls are incredibly focused and they’re doing a great job."