Former TCA standout Land wins Division III title with Cumberland
Before we enter into the fall sports, we have some unfinished business from the college baseball season.
Darrius Land, who was a standout performer at Trenton Catholic Academy and a key member of the state champion Broad Street Park Post 313 team of 2018, was a member of the Cumberland County College team that claimed the NJCAA Division III national championship this past spring.
“It was a fun season,’’ said Land. “it was a perfect fit and it was a great place to play and I’m very excited to be a part of a national championship team. It was incredible in Greeneville (TN).’’
After a freshman season that saw Land play in 40 games, injury kept him sidelined for most of his sophomore season. Cumberland finished 47-5.
But, the injury didn’t stop the talented and personable Land from being a vital part of the championship run.
“I have become an entirely different player and better in every phase of the game,’’ said Land. “Through this experience I have grown on and off the field. There was so much growth on the field and I was able to carry that over into everyday life.’’
Always with a great family support system led by his dad, Winslow, Darrius was able to achieve success at every level and now looks to take the next step.
It was tough not being on the field as Cumberland, now a part of the Rowan system, defeated Rowan-Gloucester, 11-7, for the NJCAA Division III title, but Land is grateful for the amazing ride.
One of those playing for Rowan-Gloucester in the World Series was former Hightstown star, Stephen Brookwell, who batted .357 for the season.
Rutgers to Host 2019 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament
Every year the Rutgers women’s soccer team is a solid contender for the Big Ten title and wouldn’t it be nice to win it at home.
Twice the Scarlet Knights have reached the Big Ten finals in 2015 and 2016 but are still looking for that elusive first conference championship.
It was announced this week that Rutgers will be the site of the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament semifinals and finals on Nov. 8 and the championship game on Nov. 10.
“The Big Ten is pleased that Rutgers will host the 2019 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament,” said Big Ten Associate Commissioner for Sports Administration Wendy Fallen in a release. “Yurcak Field is a historic venue that has been the centerpiece of numerous championship events and continues to be home to one of the country’s top-level professional franchises in Sky Blue FC. We look forward to providing our students and coaches with a first-class experience in an ideal setting.”
The Scarlet Knights open the 2019 season at Yurcak Field on Thursday at 7 p.m. facing Central Connecticut.
Rutgers was 11-4-5 in 2018 and several of the young players on the 2019 roster hail from the area.
Nicole Binkley is a sophomore from Burlington Twp., Emma Hunsinger is a redshirt freshman from Hightstown, Emma Pascarella is a freshman from Allentown and Grace Walter a freshman from Rancocas Valley.