Rumson-Fair Haven Powers Past New Providence, Sets Up Sectional Title Clash With Haddonfield

RUMSON — Rumson-Fair Haven left no doubt Thursday, overpowering New Providence 19-2 in the South Jersey Group 1 semifinal.

The victory sends the Bulldogs (16-5) into Tuesday’s South Jersey Group 1 championship game against Haddonfield, while New Providence concludes its season at 16-6.

Rumson-Fair Haven controlled the game from the outset, building an 8-0 first-quarter lead and never allowing the Pioneers to gain any momentum. Ever since the Shore Conference Tournament, the Bulldogs have elevated their play to another level, and that growth was on full display against New Providence.

Sophomore Becca Newell fueled the early outburst with a hat trick, while juniors Aly Megaw, Chloe Kelly and Reese Lydon added goals as the Bulldogs overwhelmed New Providence on both ends of the field. Rumson-Fair Haven’s defense was equally dominant, limiting scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon while the offense continued to pile on goals.

Newell helped set the tone from the opening draw. The sophomore finished with four goals, increasing her season total to 39 goals and 55 points. After watching last year’s state championship run from the sideline, Newell has relished the opportunity to contribute this time around.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” said Newell. “Last year being on the sideline was one of the greatest feelings, but now that I am able to contribute makes it even better.”

Lydon once again delivered a standout performance for the Bulldogs. The junior attacker recorded five goals and three assists, bringing her season totals to 43 goals, 32 assists and 75 points. Her emergence has been a major factor in Rumson-Fair Haven’s offensive evolution this season.

“We knew if we played together we could execute,” said Lydon. “We did that and won.”

Lydon has been one of the Shore Conference’s hottest players down the stretch. Over her last eight games, including Thursday’s performance, she has amassed 38 points after recording 37 points in her first 13 contests of the season.

Kelly also played a major role in the victory, finishing with two goals and three assists while contributing all over the field. She added three ground balls and a forced turnover as part of another complete performance. Kelly now sits just seven points shy of 100 for the season.

The biggest impact, however, may have come on the defensive end.

“We came out fully confident and shut them down right out of the gate,” said Kelly.

That defensive effort was spearheaded by one of the Shore Conference’s premier defenders, junior Harbour Goldsmith. Tasked with face-guarding New Providence star Addy Fitzgerald, one of New Jersey’s highest-scoring players with 87 goals on the season, Goldsmith held her scoreless in another remarkable defensive performance.

“I just feel like when it counts the most I am playing for the girls around me and my seniors,” said Goldsmith.

Goldsmith’s impact extends beyond her defensive abilities, as she has emerged as one of the Bulldogs’ leaders throughout their postseason run.

Saturday’s victory not only secured a spot in the sectional final, but also marked the final game at Borden Stadium for senior captains Haley, DeSena and Memmott, three players who have helped shape the program throughout their careers.

“They are such an amazing group of seniors,” head coach Amy O’Keefe said. “The leadership and grit that they have shown makes me hate to see them go.”

Haley continued her strong season by scoring twice, raising her season total to 21 goals.

“It was really full circle and sentimental,” said Haley. “To go out this way was extra special.”

Memmott was outstanding in her final game at Borden Stadium, recording a hat trick while once again excelling defensively. Her transformation from one of the conference’s top defenders into an elite two-way midfielder has been one of the Bulldogs’ biggest strengths this season.

“Since I was little, I grew up playing on this field in soccer and lacrosse,” said Memmott. “It’s been the best four years of my life along with the best four years of sports.”

DeSena was equally impactful on defense, helping anchor a unit that has consistently shut down opposing offenses all season. After the victory, she reflected on what it meant to close her home career with a win.

“It’s so special to go out with a win,” said Desena. “We have proved people wrong all season, now it’s time to go win it all.”

The Bulldogs’ dominant performance also followed a milestone for O’Keefe, as Thursday’s victory was the 401st of her illustrious coaching career. O’Keefe has built Rumson-Fair Haven into one of New Jersey’s premier girls lacrosse programs, producing generations of collegiate players.

“I’m so proud of this program and this school,” said O’Keefe. “These girls make my job so much easier because of how hard they work to better themselves and the team.”

Now, with 401 career victories and another championship opportunity on the horizon, O’Keefe and the Bulldogs will turn their attention to Tuesday’s showdown with South Jersey powerhouse Haddonfield in the South Jersey Group 1 Championship.