Sophomore Crystal Johnson scored 2 goals and teammates Melina Towlen and Kayleigh Shuff also added goals as the Roadrunners raced to an early lead and finished with a 4-0 triumph over Camden County College at Rutgers Camden on Thursday.
The Runners improved their record to 1-2 overall with the win, the first under new coach Maria Grady.
Goalkeeper Emma Baus registered the shutout for the winners.
RCSJ raced to a 4-0 first half lead as Towlen led off the scoring with a goal assisted by Johnson for a 1-0 lead. Johnson followed with her two goals while Shuff closed out the scoring prior to halftime. Towlen finished with 1 goal and 2 assists while Johnson finished with 2 goals and 1 assist.
Next up for the Runners will be a home match vs. Fashion Institute of Technology Saturday in a 1 pm start.
Season Preview
First year Head Coach Maria Grady hopes to continue a proud, winning tradition with RCSJ Gloucester women's soccer as the Roadrunners begin a highly anticipated Fall 2022 season.
Grady, who assumed the reigns from long-time coach Megan Ruttler, has big shoes to fill as previous teams made eight National Championship Tournament appearances in the past 12 seasons.
"It's an exciting challenge to remain competitive at such a high level, and hopefully we can meet the challenge," said Grady. "We have some quality players who are working hard, and we are up against a tough schedule."
The Runners opened the Fall 2022 season with losses to two tough opponents in Harford Community College and Mercer County Community College. They will travel tonight to take on Camden County College at Rutgers Camden in a 5 pm start.
Season Preview
Coach: Maria Grady, 1st season. Maria was an assistant coach with the Runners for three seasons, and assumed the head position formerly held by Megan Ruttler. She also served as head coach for one season at Bucks County College in 2018, when her team posted a 13-4 overall record.
Assistant Coaches: Julie Chini (13th season) and Leigh Swietanski (1st season).
Fall 2022 Season: The Runners posted a 12-3-1 overall record in winning the Region 19 championship and earning a berth in the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
Current Record: The Runners have started the season with an 0-2 record, suffering losses to Harford Community College and Mercer County CC.
Key Returnees: Crystal Johnson (Gloucester City), forward; Melina Towlen (Ewing), midfield; Hailey Hartwyk (Woodbury), center back; Emya Mays (Hammonton), midfield.
Promising Newcomers: Angelina Bluford (Pitman), forward; Kelsey McKinney (West Deptford), forward; Carley Bridges (Pitman), outside back); Alaina Villari (Pitman), midfield; Kayleigh Shuff (Shawnee), midfield; Marissa Molek (Lindenwold), forward; Madison Bridges (Pitman), midfield; Siearra Stichler (GCIT), midfield; Emma Baus (Collingswood), outside back; Alana Stockdill (Delsea), midfield; Jasalene Maldonado (Salem), goalkeeper.
Coach Maria Grady on Fall 2022 season: "The players are all bonding and becoming best friends -- and this has been great to see," said Grady. "We are improving each day and hopefully we will see some success on the field."