Purple Skittles, Golden Standard: Rumson-Fair Haven Wins 13th Shore Conference Title

WEST LONG BRANCH — Since Amy O’Keefe took over as head coach at Rumson-Fair Haven, the program has consistently operated at a championship level. On Thursday, the Bulldogs added another chapter to that legacy, capturing their 13th Shore Conference title with a 17-11 victory over Red Bank.

Although Rumson controlled much of the game, it was Red Bank that struck first. Senior Kathleen Deverin and sophomore Maddie Pierson scored within 22 seconds of each other to give the Bucs an early advantage. The Bulldogs responded immediately, however, as junior Chloe Kelly answered just 11 seconds later. From there, the teams traded goals throughout the first half before Rumson gradually separated itself and pulled away for the championship victory.

Rumson’s tournament run was fueled by contributions across the roster. Junior Harbour Goldsmith played a key role defensively by slowing down standout Trinity Hall attacker Chiara Donohue in the semifinal, while Kelly elevated her offensive production throughout the tournament. Senior Maddie DeSena added a goal and anchored a strong defensive effort. RFH’s balanced, team-oriented approach proved to be the difference.

“These girls are my family,” O’Keefe said. “This group is special to me, and I want them to take away memories from this experience.”

Three of those players — seniors DeSena, Reagan Haley, and Chase Memmott — have achieved a remarkable accomplishment by winning a Shore Conference championship in each of their four seasons with the Bulldogs. Haley scored two crucial first-half goals to help steady RFH after RBR’s fast start. Memmott contributed a goal and an assist, while DeSena once again delivered a standout defensive performance.

“It’s honestly the best feeling in the world,” Memmott said. “We worked so hard together as a team to get here.”

The seniors’ impact has resonated throughout the program.

“Winning four conference championships is a pretty awesome accomplishment for them,” O’Keefe said. “They’ve been great for us.”

Midfielder Aly Megaw continued her outstanding junior campaign with four points, including a hat trick, while also surpassing 100 career points. A contributor on last year’s team, Megaw embraced a larger role this season and has flourished as both a player and leader.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve taken so much pride in RFH and wanted to be a Bulldog,” Megaw said. “It’s an awesome feeling to reach that milestone, and I’m so happy I get to do it with people I really care about.”

Kelly, meanwhile, delivered a dominant Shore Conference Tournament performance. Though the conference does not award a tournament MVP, she would have been a clear choice. Kelly finished the tournament with 19 goals and five assists, averaging more than six points per game, including a six-goal performance in the championship. Despite being face-guarded throughout the contest, she still found ways to take over offensively.

“Chloe did so well today handling the face guard,” O’Keefe said. “She’s a beast.”

Kelly also embraced the significance of the matchup against RBR, where her older sisters Paige and Claudia starred before winning a national championship at the University of North Carolina.

“I feel like every time I play RBR, I have to take my game up another level,” Kelly said.

Goldsmith’s impact may not always appear in the box score, but her defensive presence was invaluable throughout the tournament. Tasked with defending many of the Shore Conference’s top players, Goldsmith consistently set the tone with her energy, speed, and relentless effort. Against RBR standout Karlie Ruland, she forced four turnovers and collected four ground balls.

“Her speed and ability to clear the ball are so valuable to our team,” O’Keefe said.

Throughout the tournament, the Bulldogs embraced the motivation that came with earning the No. 5 seed. RFH entered the postseason with a point to prove — and delivered emphatically.

“Thank you for putting us as the five seed,” O’Keefe said. “It really fired us up.”

“We are definitely the best team in the Shore Conference,” Megaw added. “We just kept proving it.”

Another source of motivation came in the form of a purple bag of Skittles, which has become a symbolic tradition within the program. O’Keefe first introduced it years ago during practice, and it once again became part of the Bulldogs’ championship celebration.

“I told our team we wouldn’t open the bag until after we won the tournament,” O’Keefe said.

“The Skittles are something really special to our team,” Megaw added. “It’s our symbolic celebration of all the work we put in.”