By Fiona Espinoza-Castro
Staff Writer
The College hosted Montclair State University for the NJAC championship final. The Lions entered the game with high expectations as reigning champions, aiming to solidify their dominance in college soccer this season. Ultimately, the College secured a decisive 4-1 victory.
The Lions had won the NJAC two times in the past four years; last Saturday’s win increased that to three. Their opponent, Montclair State, entered the game with a record of 11-5-5 and was hoping to win their first NJAC title in four years.
As the first half began, the atmosphere in the stands was intense — the Lions’ priority was to pressure their opponents and take advantage of the chances created. With freshman kinesiology and health sciences major Ellen Williams in goal, the Lions were prepared to take on their opponent.
Within the first few minutes, Victoria D’Imperio, a senior business marketing major with a stellar record, tested the Red Hawks with a header but it was saved by their goalie, Salange Bell. The Lions continued to press offensively in the first half, making multiple attempts to break through Montclair State defense.
Near the fifth minute, a corner kick from Rachel Robichaud, a senior biology major, nearly opened the scoring for the Lions, but it hit the post, narrowly missing the goal. Four seconds later another shot by junior kinesiology major Abby Najdzinowicz was also saved by Bell.
Despite Montclair State’s solid defense, the Lions managed to break through in the seventh minute when Najdzinowicz scored the first goal of the game with a header, assisted by a senior management major Rachel Burkhard. This marked Najdzinowicz’s second goal in her career at the College.
Midway through the first half, several players including senior business marketing major Ella Van Dine and sophomore undeclared major Alyssa Alfano, took shots on goal. Van Dine’s shots went wide and high, while Alfano’s attempts also failed to get past Bell.
In the 21st minute, the Lions were left shocked as the Red Hawks’ Aileen Cahill scored an equalizer, leaving both teams tied as the first half concluded.
As the second half began, both teams sought to gain the upper hand. D’Imperio tried to score with a header in the 45th minute, but Bell once again kept it out of the net. Bell’s great play did not stop the Lions from scoring. In the 67th minute, Allie O’Keefe, a senior elementary education major, broke the tie with her first goal of the season, putting the College ahead.
“The team was good at sticking to our training and staying focused, in the second half especially,” said Ava Curtis. “Our mindset was that we had to win.”
The Lion’s momentum continued as Alfano scored her third goal of the season two minutes later, extending the Lions’ lead to 3-1. Alfano proved to be a powerhouse on the field, securing another goal in the 76th minute with an assist from O’Keefe, putting the Lions up 4-1.
The Lions celebrated their first consecutive NJAC crown since their three-year run from 2017 to 2019.
“I’m so proud of the team for staying undefeated so far this season. We have been continuously improving and I’m excited for the postseason,” Curtis said. “It feels great to win it again, this team has been working so hard this season and it feels well deserved. Also, I think it gave us some confidence for the start of NCAAs.”
With this victory, the Lions now have an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, and will host first round games on Saturday, Nov. 16.
