The Shore Conference Tournament field hockey championship between Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and Shore Regional High School had the makings of a battle to the finish for two longtime rivals, and didn’t disappoint.
The Bulldogs and Blue Devils were in a scoreless tie until Rumson-Fair Haven, after missing chances to score on 16 corners, broke through with five minutes left to play. Sophomore Lily Croddick found the back of the cage for what proved to be the game-winning goal as the Bulldogs secured their second Shore Conference Tournament title in a row.
“I think it was a really huge win for this team and the program. It was special last year to win the first one. This year, it took a lot of hard work and determination by the girls to repeat as champions,” head coach Julie Brewington said.
Both sides were locked in a defensive fight during the early part of the game. Rumson-Fair Haven then kicked into high gear, putting pressure on Shore Regional goalie Sarah Dwyer.
Shore Regional’s defense still kept the Bulldogs in check, surviving 17 corners and 18 of Rumson-Fair Haven’s 19 shots. Luckily for the Bulldogs, their defense was also up to the task. They held Shore Regional to just four attempts on goal.
The conference tournament victory was the 13th straight shutout for Rumson- Fair Haven. “Our team defense has improved so much since the beginning of the season,” said Brewington, who explained how the Bulldogs like to initiate pressure early with their forwards. “The defense has been working really well together and communicating.”
On the other side of the field, the Bulldogs are looking to find their rhythm as they march into the NJSIAA tournament with a conference title to their credit.
“We’ve talked [to the team] about how there are times when we have those chances and need to cash in,” Brewington said, adding that the Oct. 29 win over the third-seeded Blue Devils was “an awesome team effort.”
The still-undefeated Bulldogs (20-0), ranked as one of the top teams in New Jersey, got the state tournament started with a 6-0 victory against No. 10-seed Ewing High School in the Central Jersey Group II playoffs. Rumson-Fair Haven, the second seed, faced No. 3-seed Robbinsville High School in the sectional semifinals Nov. 4. The winner will face Wall High School or Ocean Township High School. The Bulldogs faced Wall in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals and won, 3-0.
“That was a huge win for their confidence moving forward,” Brewington said of the conference championship. “Seeing all of the success we had, I know they want all that and more.”
The Blue Devils (18-4) are the top seed in North Jersey II Group II, and they advanced to the semifinals by defeating No. 9-seed New Egypt High School, 8-0.