Shore Conference Girls Lacrosse Championship Preview: Red Bank Vs. Rumson-Fair Haven

Shore Conference Tournament Championship Game Preview

 

(2) Red Bank Vs. (5) Rumson-Fair Haven

When: Thursday, May 21st, 4 p.m.

Where: Monmouth University

 

Red Bank (12-5)

Head Coach: Brook Connell

 

Road to the Finals:

Quarterfinals – Defeated (7) Barnegat 8-5

Semifinals – Defeated (3) Southern 7-6

 

Players to Watch

Karlie Ruland, M –  66 P (44 G, 22 A), 80 DC, 25 FT

Chloe Keating, A – 60 P (43 G, 17 A)

Maddie Pierson, A – 48 P (36 G, 12 A)

Kathleen Deverin, M – 41 P (21 G, 20 A), 85 DC

Kate Meulener, M – 31 P (17 G, 14 A), 20 DC, 10 FT

Grace Pierson, D – 16 GB, 14 FT

Katherine Doody, D – 19 GB, 10 FT

Caitlin Courtney, D – 14 GB, 10 FT

Nora Tavares, G – 125 S, 104 GA

 

 

Rumson-Fair Haven (12-5)

Head Coach: Amy O’Keefe

 

Road to the Finals:

2nd Round – Defeated (12) Manalapan 20-9

Quarterfinals – Defeated (4) Manasquan 17-4

Semifinals – Defeated (1) Trinity Hall 9-8

 

Players to Watch

Chloe Kelly, A –  75 P (53 G, 22 A), 48 DC, 20 GB, 20 FT

Aly Megaw, M – 52 P (33 G, 19 A), 30 DC

Reese Lydon, A – 51 P (30 G, 21 A)

Chase Memmott, M – 41 P (17 G, 24 A), 64 DC, 34 GB, 30 FT

Becca Newell, A – 38 P (29 G, 9 A), 24 GB

Reagan Haley, A – 27 P (16 G, 11 A)

Harbour Goldsmith, D – 17 GB, 31 FT

Maddie DeSena, D – 17 GB, 16 FT

Sydney Kiernan, G – 125 S, 109 GA

 

Red Bank

Red Bank has assembled an impressive season, led by the dynamic senior duo of Karlie Ruland and Chloe Keating. The pair has provided both elite production and veteran leadership throughout the year.

Sophomore Maddie Pierson has emerged as a key contributor for the Buccaneers down the stretch, scoring 28 goals over her last 11 contests. Senior Kathleen Deverin has also played an important role, providing valuable two-way utility as a scorer and defender, in addition to winning draw controls at a high rate.

In goal, Nora Tavares has been outstanding for the Buccaneers. The senior goalkeeper has earned widespread praise from coaches across the conference for her exceptional play this season.

Rumson-Fair Haven

Rumson-Fair Haven has caught fire during the Shore Conference Tournament, emerging as one of the hottest teams in the field. The Bulldogs became the first Shore Conference team to defeat Trinity Hall this season and were also the only team to challenge the Monarchs closely during the regular season. RFH appears to be peaking at the perfect time.

Junior standout Chloe Kelly has continued her stellar season and has elevated her play throughout the SCT. Kelly has totaled 18 points during the tournament, highlighted by the game-winning goal against top-seeded Trinity Hall. Junior Reese Lydon has also been outstanding, recording 14 points over the Bulldogs’ three tournament games.

Rumson-Fair Haven’s offensive depth has developed into a major strength as the season has progressed. Senior Chase Memmott has led the group and has put together an impressive all-around season after serving as a lockdown defender a year ago. Junior Aly Megaw has been exceptional offensively, scoring a game-high four goals in the victory over Trinity Hall.

Defensively, the Bulldogs have been equally dominant. Harbour Goldsmith made a significant statement in the Defensive Player of the Year race with a standout performance slowing down the Shore Conference’s top scorer in Trinity Hall’s Chiara Donohue.

In goal, Sydney Kiernan has been poised under pressure, repeatedly delivering clutch saves in key moments to anchor the Bulldogs’ tournament run.

The Verdict

Red Bank Regional is a much improved team compared to the first meeting between these two programs when the Bulldogs won handily 11-3, but Rumson-Fair Haven has elevated its play as well. The Bulldogs have developed into a complete team and continue to play outstanding lacrosse on both ends of the field. Expect a competitive battle early on, but RFH’s depth, balance, and big-game experience give the Bulldogs an advantage to pull off the win.

 

Dan’s Prediction:

RFH 12-5