Two familiar rivals meeting in a familiar setting will be the theme of Saturday's North Atlantic District B Region 19 Women's Soccer championship between the Roadrunners and Union College Saturday at 12 noon.
But the match-up will take on a different route due to an injury to starting goalkeeper Emma Baus two weeks ago. Taking Baus' place will be Jasalene Maldonado.
"Obviously we will miss Emma, but Jasalene should be fine," said Grady, a first-year coach. "We will help her by defending first and scoring first -- just take care of the basics."
The two programs have met several times in the past five years for the Region crown, with the Runners grabbing titles in the previous two title matches.
The winner will earn a berth in the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament November 9-13, in Herkimer, NY.
The Runners, No, 8 in the NJCAA D III National Rankings, boast a solid 1-2 scoring punch in freshman Angelina Bluford and sophomore Crystal Johnson
Bluford, a First Team Region 19 All-Star, finished second in the region in overall points with 34 and second in goals scored with 14. Johnson also scored 14 goals and tallied an overtime game winner in last season's Region 19 title game win over the Owls.
The defensive lines have been solid as well with sophomore Hailey Hartwyck leading a talented group of midfielders and backs.
Several Roadrunners were named as Region 19 All-Stars including:
FIRST TEAM
Angelina Bluford F
Kayleigh Shuff M
SECOND TEAM
Crystal Johnson F
Alana Stockdill D
Siearra Stichler M
NJCAA District East B Championship
Region 19
Women's Soccer Championship
Saturday, October 29, 12 Noon
RCSJ Gloucester vs. Union County College
@RCSJ Soccer Stadium / Deptford, NJ
Game Time: 12 pm
Records:
Union County, 6-8 overall, 3-2 conference
RCSJ, 9-5 overall, 4-1 conference