Robbinsville hockey shoots for tourney wins

By: Sean Moylan Sports Writer
   In last Friday’s opener of the Mercer County Tournament at home, the Robbinsville High varsity field hockey team did what a top seed is supposed to do to a bottom seed.
    The Ravens controlled the action from start to finish and soared to a 5-0 victory over the Nottingham Northstars in front of their loyal hometown fans.
    It probably could have been worse as the Ravens had built up a 4-0 lead by halftime. However, it is never Naoma Cordi’s squad’s objective to beat up on opposing teams, especially in the MCT. The Ravens simply want to play well, win comfortably and advance.
    “The team has had their eye on the county tournament since our loss last year in the semi final to Stuart. It would mean a lot to the team to rise to the challenge of the number #1 seed and play our best through each game. The last couple weeks we have had a lot of opportunity to correct the little things we are missing,” said Cordi, who has coached the Ravens to new heights this season.
    Robbinsville attackers came at Nottingham from all angles as Ashley DeAngelis had a goal and an assist. Hallie Fasanella, Allison Haftel, Jessica Kraemer and Emilie Taylor each fired in a goal as well. It seemed as though everyone got involved in the offense as Kaitlin Hill, Lauren Hunter, Jackie Sikora and Jess Wortelmann each chipped in an assist in the one-sided contest. Robbinsville took 20 shots while Nottingham tested Robbinsville’s goalies Kellye Statz and Becky Homan just twice the entire game.
    Previously, Robbinsville had beaten Ewing by an identical 5-0 score in last Thursday’s regular season finale at Robbinsville. That contest, however, was slightly more suspenseful as the Ravens led just 2-0 at half before breaking the game open early in the second stanza.
    Taylor Mitchell tallied two goals to lead the way while Sikora recorded a goal and two assists. Ashleigh Stewart (goal), Christy Wham (goal and assist) and Taylor (two assists) were all very productive at the offensive end and the Ravens rocketed a total of 17 shots on goal. Statz had to stop just two shots to post the shutout.
    Apparently the Ravens are not indestructible as they actually lost a 2-1 home game to Lawrenceville on October 21st. However, Robbinsville dominated many aspects of that contest and more than doubled Lawrenceville’s shot total (13-6). Nevertheless, Sikora’s first half tally, which was assisted by Wham, was Robbinsville’s only score of the game.
    After the two sides played to a 1-1 first half draw, Lawrenceville scored the only goal of the second half to win it. Statz posted four saves in defeat. Cordi, however, loves the challenge of seeing her club go up against talented teams like Lawrenceville.
    “Our Lawrenceville game was tough — we had the stats to support us, but we could not finish in front of the cage. It was a great game. Lawrenceville is an incredible program and we are happy to add them on our schedule,” said Cordi.
    With 17 goals and 18 assists, Emilie Taylor is the second-leading scorer in the CVC behind Stuart’s Jackie Gaudioso- Radvany. Wham has 13 goals and six assists. Jackie Sikora has eight goals and six assists. Statz has six shutouts (all statistics were as of Tuesday morning).
    Robbinsville was scheduled to take on Hun for the first time this season in MCT second round action this past Tuesday, but rain has pushed that game back to today (Thursday).
    Robbinsville (15-3) earned the third seed in the NJSIAA Group I North II state tournament. It is scheduled to host Kent Place (seeded 6th) in its playoff opener on November 4th.