Tracey Arndt has been around this field hockey game and Mercer County long enough to know when there’s a chill in the air tournament time is approaching quickly.
Arndt has Hun undefeated at 7-0 and playing some very impressive hockey and looking forward to tournament season.
“October brings great competition, great opportunity, and a chance to make great memories,’’ said Arndt. “We have set short term and long term goals for the season. We know our county, league, and state competition is all very strong. Our message is to keep focusing on playing our game and playing as a team without looking too far ahead.’’
It wasn’t that long ago the Raiders were struggling, but Arndt and the players stuck with the process and are now reaping the benefits.
“I think their belief in the process is showing on the field as we move through the season,’’ declared Arndt. “They are trusting the practice plans and game plans and working hard to play their game. The connections they are making on the field each day is helping them be more prepared for the next game.’’
The 7-0 start is the best in years and 2022 has the potential to be one of the best in school history, as long as they stick with the process.
North Looking to Roeloffs
Megan Roeloffs had an All-Trentonian career at Robbinsville High and then an All-America career at Montclair State and now she’s bringing that hockey knowledge to West Windsor-Plainsboro North.
“Being a head coach of a high school program has been a dream of mine since my high school field hockey days,’’ said Roeloffs. “My field hockey journey has given me so many amazing opportunities I am grateful for. Playing in college, becoming an All American, co-directing Blue Star Field Hockey, coaching at Montgomery and Robbinsville High School. However, even through all of that, I yearned of leading a program on my own.’’
North (2-6) has struggled the last several years not having a winning season since 2016 and after a nice start to this season the Knights have dropped five straight.
“Going forward, It all comes down to the desire to succeed and the hunger to compete,’’ said Roeloffs. “The team is starting to see and believe that they are a competitive force in the CVC. It’s now about taking it further to not just competing but finishing the big plays in games that can change the tide. The big theme for the Knights this year is growth. They have grown so much in the past five weeks, I can’t wait to see where the next five bring them. If they continue to stay disciplined to do the little things well and play with heart, big things will happen.’’
Just over a week ago, Roeloffs faced the Ravens and it no doubt brought back some memories.
“I will always have a soft spot for Robbinsville field hockey,’’ said Roeloffs, who won a county tournament with the Ravens. “Not only did I play there, I had the opportunity to coach there for a few years with Jennamarie Colicchia. As an assistant there, my love for the game only grew more passionate. She runs a great program and I learned so much from my time with her. Facing them in competition was electric.’’
Hopefully, the rest of the season is electric for Roeloffs and the Knights.
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Notre Dame opened the 2022 season with a tough 2-1 loss to Robbinsville and since then is is unbeaten, having won six straight.
During that stretch, the Irish have allowed only two goals.
Ellie Marrone has scored in every ND game and has three goals and five assists, freshman Clementine Bowden has six goals and another player that has given the Irish a boost has been Amanda Dressel.
Dressel, a junior, has a goal in four straight games and appears to like the spot on the right wing. The four goals are a new career high for Dressel.
“We are pushing each other every day at practice and we are playing as a team,’’ said Dressel, after ND edged Hopewell Valley, 2-1. “This year I just want to come out every game and uses all my capabilities and play my best game.’’
PDS Gets the Win This Time
Last year’s Mercer County Tournament final was one of the most exciting ever as Princeton Day tied the game with seconds left in regulation only to see Lawrence take it in overtime.
Well, the two met again last week and this time the Panthers (3-5) prevailed with a 2-1 win on a late Jadyn Huff goal.
Ryan Falconi scored the other Panthers goal.
Falconi’s mom is a member of the Princeton Day and Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame, the former Dana DeCore.
Lawrence has dropped three straight and fallen even at 4-4. Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the game-winner in last year’s MCT final, has five goals the last three games for the Cardinals.
MCT Seedings Near
The seedings for the Mercer County Tournament will be even more interesting this year as they have adopted a new format.
There will be a championship bracket (eight teams) and a consolation bracket (all others).
Only the Championship bracket will play for the MCT crown.
The top bracket should include Princeton, Lawrenceville, Notre Dame, Robbinsville and Hun.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Lawrence, the defending champion, is 4-4; Stuart is 6-2; WW-P South is 5-2; Princeton Day is 4-4; Allentown is 5-5, Hopewell Valley is 6-4.
That’s six teams that are on the bubble. Every one of those coaches should inquire as to what will be the process used for seeding.
Giving the MCT committee some slack this is a new format and it is not written in stone.
I would rather see a tiered system where your top four teams receive at least one bye. This way you could have 10-12 teams in the top bracket.
Inside the Circle
— After starting the season at 1-4, Allentown has won four of the last five and are even at 5-5. Sophomore Hailee Lad leads with eight goals, including five in the last three games.
— Hightstown (4-5) has won 3-of-4 and has a big test with Robbinsville (6-2) on Monday.
— Top-ranked Princeton (9-0) has Hopewell Valley this week. Princeton’s Erin Liggio has a CVC best 22 goals and in eight of the Tigers nine games Liggio has scored multiple goals.
— Robbinsville saw two games changed last week and it hasn’t played in seven days. After the 6-0 start the Ravens dropped two, so they need to get back on the field and shake the rust off.
— WW-P South has a big test on Monday with Allentown. The Pirates won the battle of the Windsor’s 4-2 over North. “It was an exciting game,’’ said South coach Tracy Klugerman. “We are very glad we won it.’’
