Ahmann, Lydon Lead Rumson Past Southern and Into SCT Championship Game
RUMSON — Rumson-Fair Haven has looked like a much improved team during the second half of the season, and the Bulldogs remained hot against Southern with a dominant 14-5 victory over the Rams after edging Southern by just one goal in their first meeting earlier this season.
Early on, it appeared the matchup might turn into another tightly contested battle between the two Shore Conference powers. The game was tied after the opening quarter, mirroring the intensity of their first meeting. But this time, Rumson-Fair Haven quickly took control and never looked back.
The Bulldogs erupted offensively, scoring four goals in the second quarter, five more in the third, and another four in the fourth to pull away in emphatic fashion. Senior Luke Lydon led the charge with a monster performance of three goals and three assists, while senior Blake Ahmann added three goals and one assist. Sophomore Jude Passalaqua and freshman Chris Paik each scored twice as RFH showcased its offensive depth.
“We are a completely different team than we were in that game,” said RFH head coach Mark Moreau. “It makes a difference when we have all of our guys.”
One major difference for the Bulldogs was the presence of Ahmann, who missed the first meeting against Southern. Ahmann made his impact felt immediately, finishing with a hat trick that featured several highlight-reel goals.
Rumson-Fair Haven’s Blake Ahmann (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
“Blake and Luke did a great job finishing today,” said Moreau.
Ahmann’s return has added another dimension to an already dangerous RFH offense, which has been significantly more effective with him in the lineup.
“It helps being surrounded by such great weapons,” said Ahmann. “I can finish, if not I got guys around me that I am very confident will.”
Ahmann’s leadership and chemistry with the team have also been invaluable throughout the season.
“Blake is my brother, I love that kid to death,” said Lydon.
Lydon once again showcased why he has been one of the Shore Conference’s top offensive players all season. The senior now has 43 goals and 44 assists on the year and continues to strengthen his case as one of the best players in the conference.
Rumson-Fair Haven’s Luke Lydon (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
The connection between Lydon and Ahmann has become a major strength for the Bulldogs offense.
“Me and Luke have a special bond,” said Ahmann. “We love playing together.”
RFH also controlled possession throughout the game behind a dominant effort at the face-off X from sophomore Jaden Cavise, who won 19-of-22 face-offs. Junior goalie Peter Kessler came up with six saves as the Bulldogs limited Southern to just five goals.
Rumson-Fair Haven’s Jaden Cavise (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
With the victory, RFH advances to the Shore Conference Tournament championship against CBA in what is a highly anticipated rematch after the Colts edged the Bulldogs by one goal earlier this season. Despite the previous result, RFH enters the matchup confident and eager for another opportunity.
“We knew we’d see them again,” said Lydon. “I am confident in my guys in the locker room.”
“It’s super exciting, I love playing those guys,” said Ahmann. “We are friends off the field, but on it we need to beat them.”
For Moreau, the motivation remains simple regardless of who lines up across from his team.
“We are motivated because we are playing for a championship,” said Moreau. “We don’t really care who our opponent is.”
