A proud, winning tradition continues with RCSJ Gloucester women's soccer as the Roadrunners open the Fall 2021 season Thursday, Sept. 2 -- and Head coach Megan Ruttler's squad is in a solid position to perform well on a national level once again.
Following a long layoff due to the pandemic in 2020, the Runners continued their winning ways last spring, taking home a Region XIX crown and placing fourth overall in the National Championship Tournament.
Ruttler's Runners open the new campaign as the No. 4 team in the NJCAA Division III National Pre-Season Rankings. The Runners not only return a veteran roster, but one loaded with new talent.
Ruttler, who will be assisted by coaches Julie Chini and Maria Grady, will welcome back standout veterans such as Alyssa Meglino (midfield/forward), Miranda Uzdavines (midfield/forward), Keri Leach (back/midfield), Sabrina Baer (midfield/back), Tori Hassett (back/midfield), Gab Cirucci (midfield/forward). Nikki Tricocci (back/midfield), Emily Martin (back/midfield). and Melissa Hires (goalkeeper).
Meanwhile, a solid group of freshmen recruits are expected to contribute and help the team enjoy a winning season.
The Runners open the Fall 2021 season with a tough opponent in Mercer County Community College on the road Thursday, Sept. 2 in a 5:30 pm start.
Season Preview
Coach: Megan Ruttler, 12th season; 129 career wins at RCSJ Gloucester in 11 seasons. In 2012, Ruttler led the women's soccer team to the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament in which the Roadrunners finished 2nd. In 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021, the Roadrunners advanced to the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. They placed fourth nationally in 2017 and Spring 2021.
Assistant Coaches: Julie Chini (12th season) and Maria Grady (3rd season).
Spring 2021 Season: 6-4 record overall; captured Region XIX East District Championship with win over Union County College; earned berth in NJCAA National Championship Tournament, finishing fourth overall nationally.
Season Opener: September 2, 5:30 pm, at Mercer County Community College.
Key Returnees: Alyssa Meglino (Williamstown), back/midfield; Miranda Uzdavines (Williamstown), midfield/forward; Sabrina Baer (Williamstown), midfield/back; Tori Hassett (Delsea Regional), back/midfield; Nikki Tricocci (Triton Regional), back/midfield; Emily Martin (Triton Regional), back/midfield; Keri Leach (Pitman), back/midfield; Melissa Hires (West Deptford), midfield/goalkeeper; Gab Cirucci (Williamstown), midfield/forward.
Promising Newcomers: Crystal Johnson (Gloucester City), midfield/forward; Bailey Swietanski (West Deptford), forward; Melina Towlen (Ewing), midfield; Ella Van Dine (Gloucester Catholic), midfield/forward; Amelia Provenzano (Riverside), midfield/forward; Emya Mays (Hammonton), midfield/forward; Gina Bogardus (Eastern Regional), back; Hailey Hartwyk (Woodbury), back; Christina Vecchio (Monroeville, NJ), midfield/forward; Grace Vit (Kingsway), goalkeeper.
Coach Megan Ruttler on Fall 2021 season: "We enjoyed some success last season when we returned to game competition, and now we have a nice veteran group returning," said Coach Ruttler. "We're excited to see how our talented newcomers will develop this Fall. Overall, we look forward to a competitive season."