By: Sean Richards
While the ascendancy of Monroe Township High School to field hockey prominence remains a year away, you have to admire the way this year’s team continues to lay the groundwork.
Pass by pass, goal by goal, you can see the maturation of this talented young squad as the Falcons gain the valuable knowledge they very much have what it takes to compete against the top teams in Middlesex County.
This was all on display again last week as the Falcons went 1-1-1 to increasingly energize a season that didn’t produce a single victory in the first nine games. Monroe is now 2-8-3 and playing consistent, quality hockey.
"Oh, yeah," replied coach Virginia Gonzalez when asked if her optimistic hopes have been translated into reality. "We’ve actually outplayed just about everyone we’ve played. I’m really proud of this group."
Returning to the field following a six-goal explosion the week before that ended nearly a month-long scoring draught, Monroe kept on rolling with a 4-1 victory over visiting Piscataway.
For those who are counting, that was an unbelievable 10 goals in two games for the explosive Falcons.
Kelly Campbell’s goal got it started against Piscataway, followed by two goals by Margaret Nawracaj. Justina Kupczak’s tally concluded the scoring in the game against beleaguered Piscataway, which had no answer to the Falcons’ quick and accurate passing attack. Meghan Stark contributed two assists as well in Monroe’ second win of the season.
Monroe returned to action last Saturday in a home game against Westwood. This did not result in a victory, but the team played a solid game in a 1-0 loss against a tough Westwood squad.
"That was a weird game," said Gonzalez. "It was a Saturday morning game and it was freezing out there. As soon as the game was over, the sun came out and it was nice."
On Monday the team was back in action against Metuchen, which had beaten the Falcons by two goals earlier in the year. Monroe’s improved play was once more on display as the teams played to a thrilling 1-1 double overtime tie.
Kupczak got the goal against Metuchen and was assisted by Ashley Henriques. Shannon Weber was between the pipes and did a nice job with six saves. Monroe certainly had the better of the play, piling up a 12-3 advantage in corners.
"The girls have figured it out," said Gonzalez of the type of effort needed to succeed on the varsity level. "It’s also exciting because now we’re starting to score.
"At one point we had the 10 goals in two games. After the way the season started, that was like ‘wow.’ "
Upcoming games include home contests against East Brunswick today and Sayreville Wednesday. Anybody who takes to the field against Monroe these days had obviously better be prepared.
"I think what’s happening with our team is pretty cool," said Gonzalez.
Imagine the adjectives they’ll use to describe this rising program next year.

