Rumson-Fair Haven Field Hockey Hasn't Missed a Beat With Undefeated Start

Photo above: Group photo after winning last season’s NJSIAA Group I championship

RUMSON – Shore Regionals strangle hold on Shore Conference field hockey was loosened considerably last season as the surging Bulldogs dethroned the Blue Devils as Shore Conference Tournament champions ending Shore’s amazing string of 15 consecutive SCT titles and handing the Bulldogs their first SCT title in school history.

The Bulldogs also beat Shore Regional - Central Jersey Group I champions – 6-0 in the first round of the Tournament of Champions before falling to eventual champion and the nation’s No.1 team Eastern, 4-0 in the semifinals.

It was an historic year for Rumson (24-1-2) as the Bulldogs won their fifth consecutive Class A Central divisional title and their third consecutive sectional title before winning the programs first ever group championship. They then made their inaugural trip to the Tournament of Champions where they lost to Eastern 4-0 in a game that proved they could hold their own with any team in the Country.

They were ranked No.1 in the final Asbury Park Press top ten poll and third in the final Star ledger New Jersey top 20. In addition, for the first time ever, the Bulldogs were ranked No.15 nationally in the final Max Field Hockey top 20 poll.

Returning 13 key players from a year ago, the Bulldogs are off to a blazing start winning their first eight games against zero losses by a combined score of 69-4, including an opening day 3-2 win over Shore Regional. They’re currently ranked No.1 in the Shore Conference, second in the state and 19th nationally in the most recent Max Field Hockey top 25 poll.

Leading the charge is 2014 Asbury Park Press Shore Conference Player of the Year and star ledger first team All-State selection Madison Maguire. The senior midfielder had a career-high 51 goals and also a career high 16 assists last season. So far this season, the University of Maryland commit has 15 goals – second on the team - and four assists.

First team All-Shore pick Maggie Jennings - who has committed to Villanova University to play lacrosse – is the playmaker on the team from her right-mid position with most the bulldog scoring going through her.

“Maggie is a phenomenal player,” head coach Julie Brewington said. “She’s a great playmaker for us. If she’s not coming up with the goal or assist, she’s the one bringing the ball up field and into the circle.”

Senior captain Kara Dixon – a second team All-Shore pick last year as a midfielder – switched to defense this season to right back with senior Kiera McKay at left back and sophomore Katie McGillis at center back. Although a bit inexperienced as a unit, the three have become invaluable in picking up the slack from the loss of graduated first team All-Shore performer Catie Ebner and have the makings of a very formidable defensive trio.

Third team All-Shore selection Lilly Croddick is back at forward after a sensational freshman campaign which saw her score 25 goals and assist on 11 others. The sophomore forward currently leads the Bulldogs in both goals scored and assists with 18 goals while assisting on eight others.

“Lilly was a great player for us last year as a freshman but has improved so much,” Brewington said. “She’s worked really hard on her strength and conditioning resulting in quicker shots in the circle and more scoring chances.”

Although the Bulldogs were hit hard by graduation – losing two first team and one second team All-Shore selections - they’re loaded with young talent that gained invaluable experience during last season’s post-season run and have already taken on leadership roles on this year’s team.

In addition to Croddick, Bulldogs sophomore forward Emma D’Amelio is one of the youngsters who has really stepped up her game. After scoring five goals last season, D’Amelio is third on the team in goals scored with 11 after netting seven goals in the Bulldogs last three games.

Another sophomore who’s become a huge offensive threat this season is forward Makenna Maguire. She’s recorded five goals so far this season with seven assists, one behind Croddick for the lead in assists. As a freshman, Maguire – the younger sister of Madison - scored six goals with six assists. So, including Megan MacGillis – who has scored eight goals this season – all four starting forwards are sophomores.

Freshmen Bridy Molyneaux and Ana Clare Piacentini are another two of those young Bulldogs that play way beyond their age. Molyneaux’s has made an early impact scoring nine goals, including four against Freehold two games ago, and five assists, while freshman Ana Clare Piacentini has assisted on two goals and gets the start at left midfield. Molyneaux is the first forward off the bench.

“What’s great about our offense is that it’s not just one player who scores,” said Brewington. “Madison’s an incredible scorer and at times it seems she can score at will, but they all can score and have the ability to make great plays in the circle and put the ball in the goal.”

Underrated goalkeeper Anna Babiak is back in the nets after turning away 54 shots on goal a year ago while recording 21 shutouts, including 12 in a row at one point. The senior goalie has five shutouts this season allowing a paltry four goals in eight games.

“Anna did an awesome job for us last year for our championship team,” Brewington said. “And this year even more so she’s become a vocal leader for us. We definitely need that with a kind of inexperienced defense.”

It won’t be easy topping last season’s record-breaking year but Brewington believes it’s possible.

“This year we’re kind of starting out at the top and it’s definitely a different feel,” Brewington believes. ”We try to tell the girls it doesn’t matter where they might rank you in the polls; you have to prove it on the field, and they know they have to keep proving themselves every day. If they can continue to believe in themselves and continue to work as hard as they’ve been working I think we can take it to the next level.”