Robbinsville’s run ends in the sectional final
ROBBINSVILLE » When the season began, the Robbinsville field hockey team was like a jigsaw puzzle trying to find the right pieces to give it the best chance at success.
The puzzle came together for a very successful season.
“I’ve never been more proud of a team,” said Robbinsville coach Jenna Marie Colicchia, after Seneca’s high-powered offense claimed a 5-0win over the Ravens in the Central Jersey Group II sectional final on a balmy Thursday at the Mayer Athletic Complex.
“This is the farthest I’ve gone and the farthest these seniors have gone,” added Colicchia. “Regardless of how this game went they should be happy how they played all year.”
Megan Testa was one of those seniors her coach had in mind.
Testa suffered a serious knee injury last season and missed most of lacrosse season, but her tireless rehabilitation over the summer got her ready to play just before field hockey started.
“It was so much better for me to be a part of this and having the chance toplay,” said the courageous Testa. “Any opportunity I got this season I was very thankful for.”
Testa took the insert on penalty corners, caged eight goals and added 11 assists in helping the Ravens (15-5) to their first sectional title game since 2014.
Seneca (16-5-2) have outscored the opposition 32-2 in four games with three shutouts.
“Theywere an aggressive teamand one of the more aggressive games we had all season,” said Colicchia. “They had a lot of corners and that tired us out a little. I think we held them off for 14 of them and then they broke through.”
The Golden Eagles were awarded 25 corners and scored off two.
Abigail Regn accounted for four goals for Seneca. Two were off corners, another was on a stroke and one in a scrumin front of the cage. Samantha Derkes caged the other Golden Eagles goal. Kaitlyn Birnbohm-Kaminski had two assists.
The four goals were a career high for Regn, who nowhas 24 on the season, including eight in the state tourney.
“Itwas so exciting,” said Regn. “Since playoffs we have just been clicking and it’s awesome to see us come together and play as one.” Laura Redler made 11 saves for the Ravens. “This is a group that was so willing to learn,” said Colicchia. “Regardless ofwhat position they were playing they just wanted to play. Seniors were playing in different positions and they never let it stop them.”