Rumson-Fair Haven’s offense, defense shine in their 12-7 win over Trinity Hall

When the #1 and #2 team square off, the hype is sometimes bigger than the game turns out to be.  This was not the case Tuesday in Oceanport, as #1 Rumson-Fair Haven took on #2 Trinity Hall in the battle of the top-ranked girls lacrosse teams in the Shore.  RFH’s offense produced 12 goals, and their defense held Trinity’s leading scorer, Mary Catherine O’Connor scoreless, as the Bulldogs defeated the Monarchs 12-7.

RFH scored the first goal of the game, a rocket by Mia Milkowski, 4 minutes into the game.  Trinity tied the game up 2 minutes later off the stick of O’Malley Eldridge.  RFH tallied two more goals in the first period, a second by Milkowski, and the first of two goals by Kendall Carcaterra, to take a 3-1 lead into the first break.  The second period saw both defenses buckle down, but RFH was able to break through twice on Carcaterra’s second goal at the 9 minute mark, and a late goal by RFH leading scorer Rachel James with 7 seconds left, allowing RFH to take a 5-1 lead into halftime.

” I am really proud of this team,” said RFH head coach Amy O’Keefe.  “Not just today, but the last couple of games, even though they have been losses, we are really coming together nicely.  Our #1 goal today was to play with confidence, but also to take it to them (Trinity Hall) and make them stop us.  We set some goals, both offensively and defensively, and it was understood that everyone needed to do their part to get the win.”

Trinity came out hot in the third period, scoring two quick goals, one each by Chiara Donohue and Eldridge, her second of the game.  Sensing the game getting tighter, RFH’s offense exploded for 5 goals to finish out the third period and take a 10-3 lead going to the fourth.  Chloe Kelly, Kat O’Connor, Milkowski (her third of the game), Aly Megaw, and James (her second of the game) all scored during the barrage.  James was also tough on the draw, winning 11 draw controls for RFH.

“Rachel, Mia, and Kat are the three captains among a huge senior class that have been together for most of the four years,” said O’Keefe.  “They are all selfless players, incredible leaders, and role models that really promote an awesome competitive spirit and good sportsmanship.”

Much like the third period, Trinity fought back, scoring the first two goals of the fourth period on a crafty move by Lyla Lu, and an 8 meter shot by Eldridge, her third of the game.  Less than 2 minutes later, Kat O’Connor’s shot was saved by Trinity goalie Virginia Avery, but O’Connor stayed with the play and buried the rebound to make it 11-5 RFH.  From there, Trinity and Rumson traded goals.  Chiara O’Connor cut the RFH lead to 11-6, but James’ 3rd goal off an 8 meter shot grew the RFH lead to 12-6.  Donohue completed her hat trick with 3 minutes left to make the score 12-7.

“Our defense has been playing some great, tough defensive sets.  We have had some injuries, so we have been moving girls in and out of positions.  They have been working really hard, and everyone is just adapting to each other and working well together.  But credit our seniors.  They have all done a great job supporting everyone, keeping it fun and competitive, and keeping the whole team in check so we can continue with our winning tradition.”