Despite Finals Loss, the Field Hockey Team Had Special Season

When championships are expected, it's difficult to accept losing.

It's also easy to forget that most field hockey programs in South Jersey would love to be in Ocean City's cleats, just to experience playing in a sectional title game.

Many programs and players have never even been close to a South Jersey title game, but the Red Raiders had won the previous three before losing in the finals last week to Kingsway.

"We need to be grateful to have this experience together," Ocean City coach Cory Terry said following the loss. "Not a lot of teams get to experience an undefeated (regular) season. It's this hard to swallow now, because it was so great."

The Red Raiders rolled through the regular season schedule, hardly ever challenged by the Cape-Atlantic League teams. Even when games were close in the first half, Ocean City used its talent to pull away in the second half.

Ocean City dominated like the Red Raiders have been accustomed to doing over the past few decades.

Led by Liz Cruz, Ali Stever, Shannon Dawson and Jacquie Fenton the Red Raiders scored 101 goals in the regular season, scoring five or more goals 12 times. Ocean city scored at least nine goals, five times.

The defense may have been even more impressive than the offense. Ocean City allowed nine goals in the regular season, and a third of those came in a 9-3 season-opening win over Egg Harbor Township.

Ocean City goalie Roisen Dougherty and the defense registered 10 shutouts in the regular season and allowed just two goals in October.

The Red Raiders continued their dominance in the sectional quarterfinals and semifinals, recording a pair of 5-0 shutouts.

It was not until Kingsway that the Red Raiders met a team that challenged them. Ocean City seemed liked the better team on the field, recording more shots and controlling the tempo, especially in the second half and overtime, however, the Dragons won on penalty strokes.

It was a tough way to lose, but only because of the expectations Ocean City has for itself.

"We really came together as a team this year," Cruz said. "I never played with a group of girls like this."