By Warren Rappleyea
Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s girls lacrosse team moved into the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions (TOC) with its 14-11 triumph over Bernards High School June 4 in the Group II finals.
The Bulldogs, who have run roughshod over most of their competition, battled back-and-forth with the North Jersey, Group II champs before emerging with the win. Rumson-Fair Haven jumped out to a 3-0 lead and was able to stay in front throughout the match. Morgan Steinhacker and Kyra Weiner led the offense with three goals apiece, while Allie Geiger, Maggie Jennings and Jacqueline Littleson scored twice each.
The victory was the 25th straight for the Bulldogs since an opening-day loss to Moorestown High School. Overall, Rumson-Fair Haven has outscored its opponents, 357-191, and dominated the opposition in winning the Shore Conference Tournament championship, as well as the Shore Conference A North Division title.
“We have a big group of experienced seniors, and they’ve led the way all season,” coach Amy O’Keefe said. “Most of them have played together for quite a while, and they just expect to do well. They really know where to be on the field.”
Rumson-Fair Haven’s win set up a rematch with Summit High School (22-1), which moved up and won the Group III title with a 15-6 win over Moorestown. The Hilltoppers knocked off the Bulldogs, 11-5, in the Group II finals a year ago.
“The girls just missed the TOC last season, and it’s been their goal to get there this year,” O’Keefe said. “We were disappointed last year, but the girls are more experienced and determined now. They know what it’s like to play top teams.”
O’Keefe’s team won the South Jersey, Group II title June 1 with a 17-5 win against Manasquan High School, as Littleson, Weiner and Elizabeth Scarrone netted hat tricks. In the semifinals, Rumson-Fair Haven easily got past Haddonfield High School, 19-3. Brittany Bruno scored five times, and Scarrone added four goals and four assists.
Weiner pumped home four goals and added four assists May 23 in a 17-4 victory over Delran High School in the quarterfinals. Bruno added a pair of goals and three assists. Jennings had three goals in the tournament opener, as the Bulldogs defeated Paul IV High School, 18-1.
“We’re a hard team to defend because we have so many girls who can put the ball in the net,” O’Keefe said. “We’re not in a position where we have to depend on one or two players to score every game.”
Weiner leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 52 goals and 37 assists, and Bruno has 62 goals and 20 assists. Scarrone has produced 40 goals and 35 assists, Jennings has 34 tallies and Steinhacker has scored 33 times. Littleson (25), Gail Curran (22) and Geiger (21) have all surpassed the 20-goal mark.
Rumson-Fair Haven’s ability to score goals in bunches has overshadowed a solid defensive unit led by goalkeeper Anna Babiak, who has 92 saves to her credit. The Bulldogs defense also includes Madison Maguire, Tess Chandler, junior Catie Clark and sophomores Lily Bedell and Kylie Wise.