Schools
Johnson Field Hockey Captures Third Sectional Title In Four Years
The Johnson Crusaders won their third North 2 Group 2 championship in the last four years with a 4-1 victory over Rumson.
The Johnson Crusaders captured their third North 2 Group 2 sectional title in the last four years with a 4-1 victory over Rumson at Johnson High School.
The Crusaders were in control from nearly the opening whistle thanks to a Maura Moran goal just over a minute into the contest. The finish came off of a corner and was assisted by senior Amanda Wnorowski.
“That was our plan,” said Johnson head coach Katrina Anderson. “We wanted to come out and get on them early and score early.”
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After navigating through a difficult bracket that included Summit, Voorhees and Bernards, the Crusaders were more than prepared for the sectional final match.
“We felt like if we got through our side of the bracket against those teams, we could make a good showing in the final,” said Anderson.
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The Crusaders controlled possession for much of the first half as they cruised to a 4-0 lead. Johnson found themselves ahead 2-0 after only 12 minutes thanks to a Margaret Sinnicke goal. Lauren Adamusik assisted on the goal.
Nicole Imbracio added two goals for the Crusaders, who scored all of their goals in the first half. Imbracio’s first goal came on an unassisted effort as the senior used her athleticism to weave through the Rumson defense. Her second was off of a corner attempt with just five minutes to play in the first half. Wnorowski picked up her second assist of the game on the goal.
Goalie Becky Brattole made 25 saves and was nearly perfect, allowing only a penalty shot goal with minutes left in the game. Despite the four-goal deficit, Rumson was able to challenge the goalie behind relentless pressure and numerous corner attempts.
“They (Rumson) did a really nice job in the second half of getting us to make defensive fouls in the circle. I don’t think anyone has had that many corners against us all year,” said Anderson.
With the sectional championship in the bag, the Crusaders will now compete in the Group 2 semifinals against a talented and speedy West Essex team, who defeated Johnson 7-0 earlier this season.
