The Roadrunner Women's Soccer team soared to the No. 5 spot in the NJCAA Division III national rankings on Monday -- and their play this past weekend showed exactly why they are serious contenders to perform well in upcoming postseason tournaments.
The Runners rolled past visiting Brookdale on Oct. 12 by a 4-0 score to clinch the No. 1 seed in the fast-approaching Region 19/North Atlantic District Tournament,
Coach Steve Hart's club displayed their balanced offensive attack and outstanding defense against a formidable opponent in the Jersey Blues.
Midfielder Sarah Nasatka deposited two goals in blitzing Brookdale with 10 shots on goal. The Jersey Blues received no relief from other RCSJ standouts, including Riley Cogan, who netted a goal, an assist, and had 5 shots on goal, as well as Isabella Moore, who blitzed the Jersey Blues with a goal and an assist.
"We have no shortage of players who can step up and lead an attack," said Coach Hart. "Our opponents can try and focus on one player, but we have a lot of players ready to step in and provide some offense."
Quite true, said Cogan, a freshman striker out of Deptford High School who has quietly put together a solid season with 9 goals and 9 assists for 24 points.
"A lot of the team bonding we do makes us closer and has helped our communications," she said. "We get open for each other and we make the 1-2 passes when we need to. It's made a big difference."
Click Here for Photo Highlights vs. Brookdale
Cogan's efforts have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
"Riley works hard and does everything she can to help the team win," said Hart. "We have a great system here in place, and Riley has been able to give us a few goals from her striker position when we have needed them."
Sarah Nasatka, a former Williamstown player, helped the Runners off to a solid first-half start, scoring two goals to give her club a 2-0 halftime lead. In the second half, Moore, who leads the team in scoring, netted her 20th goal while Cogan added the fourth and final goal.
Sophomore Lauren Graham registered the shutout, her third shutout and seventh win of the season as RCSJ improved to 9-2-1 overall.
The Runners travel to Atlantic Cape Tuesday, October 15th, and look to finish their conference action with an unbeaten record at 9-0.
