By: Sean Richards
It’s really quite simple for the Monroe Township High School field hockey team.
Either the sixth-seeded Falcons come out strong when the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament gets underway at 3rd-seeded East Brunswick today (Friday) or start planning for what certainly looks like will be a break-out year next season.
Monroe (3-9-4) did a lot to raise its seed at Wednesday night’s meeting after stunning fourth-seeded Sayreville, 1-0, that afternoon in a regular-season game. Megan Stark’s goal late in the first half was assisted by Saahitti Karuturi, and goalie Shannon Weber stopped the lone shot on goal as the Falcons defense was phenomenal.
The win just raises the level of excitement in the Falcon camp. The team has been strong defensively all year and has already shown it can play with any of the teams in the tournament.
"South Brunswick beat South Plainfield and we just tied South Brunswick," said coach Virginia Gonzalez. "Some of the teams have more experience and tradition than us, but it’s anybody’s game.
"We’ve played all these teams and have done very well in terms of controlling play and shots on goal."
Monroe’s problem has not been getting shots; it’s been converting them. Other than the 10-goal explosion in two consecutive games a couple of weeks ago, Monroe just hasn’t been able to consistently rattle the back of the cage.
This was again on display over the last week when Monroe lost to East Brunswick, 1-0, and then battled to a double-overtime scoreless tie with South Plainfield.
In both games Monroe defended well and showed some excellent stick work, but just wasn’t able to quite convert in front of the opposition’s goal.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if you see some of the favorites get beat," said Gonzalez of the GMCs. "It’s going to come down to who’s the beat conditioned and prepared physically and mentally.
"It’s a matter of mind over matter. It’s the time of the year where some of the players are in a little pain and people are banged out. Everyone’s going to give it their all. Everyone’s capable of knocking each other off."
The tournament is obviously even more important for the Monroe seniors. This group includes players such as Stark (three goals), Kelly Campbell (two goals) and Weber.
"It’s doubly big for the seniors," Gonzalez agreed. "Some of them will not play in college, so for them this is their last chance. They’re absolutely looking forward to it."
Should Monroe win today’s GMC opener, it will return to action in the semifinals Monday. The final is set for Wednesday afternoon.

