AHS, RHS field hockey eliminated from states; New Egypt advances

By: Kyle Moylan Sports Editor
    The Allentown High School field hockey team seemed to be peaking at the right time. It seemed ready to play its best in the biggest games of the year.
    Didn’t happen.
    Allentown was defeated last week in the quarterfinals of the Mercer County Tournament, 2-0.
    This past Tuesday, Allentown was defeated by Camden Catholic, 4-0, in the opening round of the Central Jersey Group II Tournament. Allentown, the fourth seed, was hosting Camden Catholic, seeded fifth.
    “It’s stunning,” noted Allentown Coach Mary Ellen McCarthy. “It’s the first time we ever lost in the first round of the state tournament.”
    The loss to Camden Catholic was also Allentown’s most one-
sided setback of the season. Camden Catholic scored two goals in each half on the way to the win. Caitlin Brostrand did most of the damage for Camden Catholic, scoring three goals and assisting on a score by Rachel Murtin.
    Camden Catholic ended up outshooting Allentown, 19-11. Nikki Barbaree made 12 saves in goal for Allentown.
    “They beat us to the ball,” McCarthy said. “They took better shots. They won. They did a great job. Any transition we got going, their defense or goalie took care of and stopped.
    “I was frustrated that we didn’t come out and play the way we could. We were the favorites. We just needed to play the way we are capable. We didn’t. They beat us. They were the better team today.”
    All of which brings the Allentown season to a very sudden stop.
    “This is not typical of Allentown hockey. We’re usually in the finals of everything. It just wasn’t that kind of season for us.”
    RHS
    The Robbinsville High field hockey team’s season came to a sudden end in a 3-2 shootout loss to Kent Place at home this past Tuesday in the opening round of the North Jersey II Group I playoffs. Robbinsville had the third seed and Kent Place was seeded sixth.
    Emily Taylor and Christy Wham scored goals for Robbinsville in regulation. Neither team scored in overtime.
    Both teams were very active in the game as Robbinsville had 24 shots and Kent Place had 20. Emily Johnson had 20 saves in goal for Kent Place. Kellye Statz had 16 saves in goal for Robbinsville.
    NEHS
    The New Egypt High field hockey team, playing like a top seed, overwhelmed Haddon Township, 6-1, in state tournament play this past Tuesday.
    Haddon Township, the ninth seed, had opened Central Jersey Group I playoff action with a 2-1 win over Haddon Heights on Friday. Haddon Township, however, was no match for New Egypt, which had a bye in the opening round.
    New Egypt outshot Haddon Township, 16-2. New Egypt scored two goals in the first half and held just a 2-1 lead at the break. It then pulled away with four second-half scores. Brandi Smith scored three goals for New Egypt. Lindsay Mann scored two goals. Kaci Hopkins also scored. Emily Bausher, Mann and Laura Sandford had assists.
    New Egypt advances to host the Central Jersey Group I semifinal game on Friday. It will be facing either Florence or Moorestown Friends.