LaRocca leads TCNJ into NCAA quarters amid decorated career
When Jen LaRocca heads to Lockheed Martin for the next chapter of her life, she’s taking a bunch of women’s lacrosse records along with her.
LaRocca’s record-setting career at The College of New Jersey isn’t about the records, though. It’s about the team, the program and most of all — the teammates.
“I have been very lucky with the team I have and couldn’t have envisioned being so close with them,’’ said LaRocca, as the Lions prepare for Saturday’s NCAA Quarterfinal match.
“I am very lucky for the opportunity to have played for such an amazing program,’’ added LaRocca. “We are a very close group and have been able to spend a lot more time together this season. Everyone is friends and we all love to watch each other succeed and accomplish individual and team goals.’’
The ultimate goal at TCNJ is a national championship and the 16-2 Lions are hosting Cortland State (17-4), which has won 16 straight games, in one quarterfinal. The other game at TCNJ’s Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex has defending champion Salisbury facing Kenyon.
The winners will meet on Sunday for a berth in the Division III Final Four.
The first draw control in the TCNJ game on Saturday is set for 11:30 a.m.
“It’s very exciting to see my team carry the momentum from the NJAC tournament into the NCAA tournament,’’ said LaRocca. “We have been improving with every game and are peaking at a great time in the season.’’
LaRocca been peaking since the season opener at Scranton.
The senior has 56 goals and 72 assists this season and 97 goals and 105 assists in her amazing career.
• She is the NJAC Attack Player of the Year
• Two-time All-NJAC First Team selection
• Her 128 points this season set a new all-time record for points in a season
• LaRocca is No. 2 in single-season assists with 72, Leigh Mitchell is first with 85.
• She has tied the single-game record for points (13) and assists (10).
The numbers the gifted LaRocca has put up are mindboggling, and she’s not finished yet.
One can only imagine her statistics if Covid hasn’t cancelled a season. But, the Covid year was one in which LaRocca turned to her advantage.
“It was definitely very difficult and I really missed playing with my teammates and other people,’’
said LaRocca. “But also, it gave me the opportunity to improve my personal skills and practice individually with all of the free time.’’
It wasn’t only a time to practice. It was also a time to grow on and off the field.
“Personally, as I have gotten older I have gained confidence and learned to become more of a leader,’’ said LaRocca. “With more experience comes the ability to help out the younger players on my team which is a lot of fun.’’
One of the reasons it has been such a fun year for LaRocca and the Lions has been the common goal.
While Lockheed Martin awaits, LaRocca will be continuing to alter the TCNJ record book and hopefully celebrate with her teammates.