Haggerty is the last line of defense in a group that also relies on seniors Nan Tucker, Amy Marchisio and Alexa Lesnewich. A year ago, Haggerty collected 11 shutouts and helped New Providence to the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 title.
Forwards to Watch
Kim Closs, New Providence, senior
The Group 1 school from Union County is a legit threat for a state title due in part to its prime scoring option, who found the back of the net 26 times and dished out 13 assists last fall.
Rachel Schlobohm, New Providence, senior
Schlobohm made a seamless transition from midfield to forward in 2008 and collected 16 goals and 11 assists. She will be an alluring option up top alongside Kim Closs.
THE TOP TEAMS - GROUP 1
FAVORITE: Cresskill will feature a prominent senior at nearly every position down the middle. The Bergen County team has all the tools to make a serious challenge at its first state championship, from Floriana Borova (17 goals, 10 assists) up top, to midfield specialist Nikki Hernandez (13-9) to the defensive third, where Tuli Weiss will patrol in front of keeper Patricia Clark.
CONTENDERS: Waldwick, Glen Ridge, New Providence, Robbinsville, Palmyra, Park Ridge.
DARK HORSE: Brearley.
Courier News - September 9, 2009
Coach:Scott Murphy, seventh season.
Last year: 16-4-1.
Forwards: Kim Closs (Sr.), Rachel Schlobohm (Sr.), Alex Schlobohm (Fr.).
Midfielders: Gina Caprera (Jr.), Amy Marchisio (Sr.), Emma Culleton (So.), Tori Crisafi (So.), Stephanni Perini (So.), Jenna Fay (Sr.), Kristen Lucid (Sr.), Courtney Martin (Jr.).
Defenders: Alexa Lesnewich (Sr.), Nan Tucker (Sr.), Lauren Bulzacchelli (Sr.), Anna Rose Gellert (Sr.), Cory Siberine (Jr.), Allison Boyle (Jr.), Nicole Saitta (So.)
Outlook: After falling in a shootout in the state Group I semifinals, the Pioneers are well-equipped to take that next step. New Providence lost four starters to graduation, but Murphy feels this year's team is a little more skilled, more athletic and has more speed. Plus, he said, the added versatility of his starters gives his team more depth than he's had in years. The Pioneers have a group of sophomores that are pushing seniors for starting jobs, including several that could have played varsity last year. Offensively, New Providence will be led by Closs, who was second in the area with 26 goals and 13 assists last season, and Rachel Schlobohm, who, despite playing the first half of last season in the midfield, still finished with 16 goals to go with 11 assists. Lesnewich and Tucker return to lead the defense in front of Haggerty, who has been the Pioneers' starter since midway through her freshman year.
Team Awards
Most Valuable Player - Nan Tucker
Most Improved Player - Allison Boyle
Coach's Award - Connie Haggerty
Star Ledger Group 1 Awards
Kim Closs - First Team
Rachel Schlobohm - First Team
Nan Tucker - Second Team
Connie Haggerty - Third Team
Star Ledger All-Union Awards
Kim Closs - First Team
Rachel Schlobohm - First Team
Nan Tucker, - Second Team
Connie Haggerty - Second Team
Rookie of the Year
New Providence freshman Alex Schlobohm jumped into a starter’s role in the midfield
after the fifth game of the season because coach Scott Murphy realized ``I needed someone in there who gave us that little extra dynamic, that burst through the middle. And because of her technical ability, I basically couldn’t keep her off the field.’’
Schlobohm, gaining insight while working alongside senior midfielder Amy Marchisio, registered five goals and eight assists
Scoring Title
For the second consecutive season, Kim Closs of New Providence is the county’s leading goal scorer. Closs, who paced her team to the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 title, chalked up 29 goals and 13 assists this fall, and she joins some elite company in leading Union County in goals scored for two straight years. Since 1999, only Oak Knoll’s Elisabeth Redmond (2002-03) and Gov. Livingston’s Chrissie Side (2003-04) have led the county in back-to-back seasons. On the county leader board this season, Closs was followed by senior teammate Rachel Schlobohm (27 goals), Oak Knoll’s Laura Zito (24) and Linden’s Francesca Catananzi (20).
The Defense Rests
The top defensive units in the county belonged to Westfield and New Providence, which were the only teams to claim a state sectional title this season. Westfield led the county with 19 shutouts and a 1.66 goals against average, while New Providence posted 16 shutouts and a .304 GAA. Cranford was third in shutouts with 15, while Johnson (.450 GAA) and Scotch Plains (.526 GAA) were third and fourth in total defense.
Union County Girls Soccer Coaches Association Awards
Mountain Valley Conference Awards
Game 1 - September 12, 2009
New Providence 7, Rutgers Prep 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Senior forward Kim Closs erupted for three goals and two assists for New Providence (1-0) in Somerset. Gina Caprara contributed two goals and Rachel Schlobohm scored once and had an assist while her freshman sister, Alex, netted her first varsity goal.
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (1-0) 4 3 7
Rutgers Prep (0-1) 1 0 1
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 3. Gina Caprara 2. Alex Schlobohm. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs 2. Jenna Fay 2. Emma Culleton. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: New Providence 21. Rutgers Prep 4.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 6.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior Kim Closs tallied three goals and two assists to help New Providence win its opener.
Junior Gina Caprara added two goals for the Pioneers, while senior Rachel Schlobohm chipped in with a goal and an assist. Senior Stephanie DiNicola scored in the 12th minute for Rutgers Prep.
Game 2 - September 15, 2009
New Providence 7, Dayton 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm exploded for four goals for New Providence (2-0) while Kim Closs added a goal and two assists in Springfield. Jenna Fay and Alex Schlobohm each had one goal, Gina Caprara marked two assists and Stephanni Perini had one assist. Casey Friedman helped Dayton (0-1) avoid the shutout with a second-half goal.
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (2-0) 4 3 7
Dayton (0-1) 0 1 1
Goals: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 4. Kim Closs. Jenna Fay. Alex Schlobohm. Dayton Casey Friedman.
Assists: New Providence Gina Caprara 2. Kim Closs 2. Jenna Fay. Stephanni Perini.
Senior forward Rachel Schlobohm scored two goals in each half to spark New Providence.
Senior forward Kim Closs chipped in a goal and two assists for the Pioneers, who improved to 2-0. Junior midfielder Gina Caprara and senior midfielder Uenna Fay each added a goal and an assist.
Game 3 - September 17, 2009
New Providence 6, Oak Knoll 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm continued her early-season scoring frenzy with three goals for host New Providence (3-0). Schlobohm now has eight goals in her team's first three games. Kim Closs added a goal and an assist, Gina Caprara and Amy Marchisio also connected and Alexa Lesnewich marked two assists. Oak Knoll fell to 1-1.
1st 2nd Final
Oak Knoll (1-1) 0 0 0
New Providence (3-0) 3 3 6
Goals: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 3. Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Amy Marchisio.
Assists: New Providence Alexa Lesnewich 2. Kim Closs.
Shots: Oak Knoll 4. New Providence 18.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 3.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior forward Rachel Schlobohm posted her second hat trick of the season, and senior forward Kim Closs added a goal and an assist as New Providence stayed undefeated.
Senior midfielder Amy Marchisio and junior midfielder Gina Caprara added goals for the Pioneers.
Game 4 - September 22, 2009
New Providence 1, Kent Place 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Gina Caprara provided the only offense of the game with a head ball in the second half for New Providence (4-0) in Summit. Connie Haggerty preserved the shutout with five saves. Liza Kowalik made 23 saves for Kent Place (1-2).
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (4-0) 0 1 1
Kent Place (1-2) 0 0 0
Goals: New Providence Gina Caprara.
Shots: New Providence 14. Kent Place 2.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 5. Kent Place Liza Kowalik 23.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior midfielder Gina Caprara headed in the game-winner with less than two minutes to play in regulation to propel 10th-ranked New Providence in Summit.
THE STAR LEDGER - September 23, 2009
Player to Watch
New Providence Coach Scott Murphy must be dizzy from trying to figure out where his team's scoring will come from on a given day. Senior Kim Closs led the the county in goals scored last fall with 26 and remains a scoring threat, but it is a senior teammate Rachel Schlobohm who has taken charge his season.
Schlobohm has racked up eight goals while boosting New Providence to a 3-0 start. Last season, Schlobohm did not reach eight goals until mid-October and finished with 16, second on the team behind Closs.
THE STAR LEDGER - September 23, 2009
Rankings
Group 1
#1. New Providence
Union County
#3. New Providence
The Independent Press - September 23, 2009
New Providence girls an even more potent soccer crew
By Art Polakowski
Although the New Providence High School girls soccer team had outscored Rutgers Prep and Springfield by a combined 14-2 in its first two outings this 2009 campaign, the perception was the Lady Pioneers were in for a very challenging match last Thursday against area rival Oak Knoll School. The Royals’ only result had been a 2-1 victory over another local squad, Kent Place School, but playing Scotch Plains even in a preseason scrimmage established Coach Martyn Rushmore’s as a side to reckon with in Union County soccer this autumn.
Likewise suggesting Thursday’s would be a very interesting encounter was the second time these teams met a year ago. Oak Knoll took New Providence into overtime before NP prevailed, 3-2, and that 2008 OKS contingent contained only three seniors.
Still, New Providence is likewise a veteran unit with seven returning starters from a team that claimed Mountain/Valley Conference and State Section championships en route to its 16-2-3 record a year ago. And last Thursday, the Pioneers’ firepower proved far too much for Oak Knoll, as New Providence roared to a 6-0 victory at Lieder Field.
Rachel Schlobohm nailed the statement goal just before the midway point of the first half when NP’s explosive senior striker split defenders Bridget End and Rachel Edelson and sent the ball past OKS goalkeeper Alex Feltes. Less than two minutes later, senior midfielder Amy Marchisio followed up an offensive thrust by collecting the ball in an ideal spot to make it 2-0. Schlobohm again sped past the defense to add the third tally, out-racing Feltes to a rebound that Rachel lifted over Alex’s head and into the net.
Rushmore was clearly convinced the outcome was inevitable, as evidenced when the Oak Knoll coach lifted Feltes to let freshman keeper Deidre Walsh play the second half. New Providence added three more goals after intermission, when Schlobohm completed her hat trick and Gina Caprara and Kim Closs each put a point up on their own corner kicks, Caprara banana-balling one from the left side and Closs getting credit for a goal that glanced off an Oak Knoll defender.
What’s rather apparent is that New Providence Coach Scott Murphy is guiding a very good team. In Schlobohm and Closs, the Pioneers possess a forward tandem few foes will be able to defend, while Caprara is another imposing weapon at left midfield. Center midfielder Marchisio, left fullback Alexa Lesnewich, sweeper Nan Tucker, and goalkeeper Connie Haggerty are NP’s other returning starters.
Both New Providence losses a year ago were regular-season contests, an early defeat at Kenilworth and a midseason setback at Union Catholic that was reportedly marred by questionable officiating. The suspicion is the NP girls will really be ready for tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) match against UC at Lieder Field.
Then there’s the flip side of having been outscored only during regular-season matches in 2008. The Lady Pioneers were eliminated from both the Union County Tournament (in the semifinals by Clark) and the NJSIAA Tournament (in the State Semifinal by North Jersey 1 champ Waldwick) via penalty kicks. You suspect Coach Murphy will be placing an increased emphasis on penalty-kick practice this autumn.
Archrivals Oak Knoll and Kent Place had launched their campaigns two days earlier, Oak Knoll coming away with that 2-1 home field triumph. Junior striker Mary Coughlin scored an unlikely goal midway through the first half on a perfectly placed lob that just got in under the crossbar after sailing over Kent Place freshman goalkeeper Elizabeth Kowalik.
Laura Zito, likewise a junior forward, made it 2-0 early in the second half. Coughlin and Zito are a formidable striker duo in their own right, as both have been starting up front since their freshman year. Kent Place averted the shutout on Jayne Pasternak’s goal with one second remaining.
Like New Providence, Oak Knoll also has an interesting match on tap tomorrow (Thursday) when the Royals travel to Berkeley Heights to face area rival Governor Livingston.
Game 5 - September 24, 2009
New Providence 2, Union Catholic 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm volleyed in a cross by Kim Closs in the 73rd minute as New Providence (5-0) rallied from a 1-0 deficit in New Providence. Union Catholic (3-2) took a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute on a score from Abby Calixto. New Providence got the equalizer from Amy Marchisio seven minutes later.
1st 2nd Final
Union Catholic (3-2) 0 1 1
New Providence (5-0) 0 2 2
Goals: Union Catholic Abby Calixto. New Providence Amy Marchisio. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: Union Catholic Sarah Cunha. New Providence Kim Closs. Alex Schlobohm.
Shots: Union Catholic 6. New Providence 21.
Saves: Union Catholic Samantha Pauls 14. New Providence Connie Haggerty 5.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior midfielder Amy Marchisio scored the tying goal in the 62nd minute and senior forward Rachel Schlobohm provided the game-winner 11 minutes later as 10th-ranked New Providence remained undefeated.
Game 6 - September 29, 2009
New Providence 9, Benedictine Academy 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs and Gina Caprara paced undefeated New Providence (6-0) with two goals apiece in Newark. Tori Crisafi, Emma Culleton, Anna Rose Gellert, Kristen Lucid and Stephanni Perini also contributed to the scoring. Benedictine is 0-5.
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (6-0) 9 0 9
Benedictine (0-5) 0 0 0
Goals: New Providence, Gina Caprara 2. Kim Closs 2. Tori Crisafi. Emma Culleton. Anna Rose Gellert. Kristen Lucid. Stephanni Perini.
Assists: New Providence, Lauren Bulzacchelli.
Shots: New Providence 22. Benedictine 2.
Saves: New Providence, Connie Haggerty 2.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior midfielder Gina Caprara and senior forward Kim Closs scored twice to keep the Pioneers undefeated.
THE STAR LEDGER - September 30, 2009
Match to Watch
by Rich Bevense
When Brearley travels to New Providence for a $pm clash next Tuesday, the match will feature two of the county's stingiest defenses. Brearley has allowed just 4 goals in its first six outings, while New Providence has permitted three goals in five games.
THE STAR LEDGER - October 2, 2009
Westfield, Scotch Plains head the list for UCT
BY RICH BEVENSEE
Westfield, No. 3 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, and defending champion Scotch Plains-Fanwood earned the top two seeds for the 29th Union County Tournament, which begins next week with a pair of play-in matches.
Westfield (6-0), the tournament's winningest program with 18 championships, is bidding for its first title since tying Oak Knoll in the 2002 final. Unranked Scotch Plains (3-1-1) won its fourth straight tournament title last season and joined Westfield as the only programs to accomplish that feat.
The top four seeds are rounded out by undefeated New Providence (6-0) and Union (3-5). New Providence last reached the final in 2001, when it bowed to Westfield. Union battled to a pair of 1-0 losses against both Westfield and Scotch Plains this season.
The preliminary round for the 18-team tournament is slated for Oct. 10, and the quarterfinals are on Oct. 17. Both rounds are played at the site of the higher seed. Johnson High in Clark will host the semifinals, scheduled for Oct. 25, and the championship game on Oct. 31.
Preliminary matches: 16-Roselle Park-17-Elizabeth winner at 1-Westfield; 9-Gov. Livingston at 8-Oak Knoll; 12-Kent Place at 5-Cranford; 13-Rahway at 4-Union; 11-Union Catholic at 6-Summit; 14-Linden at 3-New Providence; 10-Brearley at 7-Johnson; 15-Roselle Catholic-18-Plainfield winner at 2-Scotch Plains.
Game 7 - October 02, 2009
New Providence 8, Roselle Park 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs and Rachel Schlobohm each collected two goals and an assist, Gina Caprara added two goals and Amy Marchisio and Alex Schlobohm each had one goal to lead New Providence (7-0) in Roselle Park. Amira Djokovic recorded 13 saves for Roselle Park (0-7).
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (7-0) 7 1 8
Roselle Park (0-7) 0 0 0
Goals: NP: Gina Caprara 2. Kim Closs 2. Rachel Schlobohm 2. Amy Marchisio. Alex Schlobohm.
Assists: NP: Allison Boyle. Lauren Bulzacchelli. Kim Closs. Emma Culleton. Alex Schlobohm & Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: New Providence 17. Roselle Park 4.
Saves: New Providence Jill Ashinsky 2. Connie Haggerty 2. Roselle Park Amira Djokovic 13.
The COURIER NEWS
Seniors Kim Closs and Rachel Schlobohm and junior Gina Caprara each scored two goals and senior Amy Marchisio and freshman Alex Schlobohm each had one goal as New Providence improved to 7-0.
Game 8 – October 06, 2009
New Providence 3, Breadley 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
The New Providence girls’ soccer team has been playing with a very large chip on its collective shoulder this season, which explains why every player seems to be flying up and down the field with their hair on fire.
The memory of losing to Waldwick in a shootout in the state Group 1 semifinals last fall still stings so badly, the players have decided to go all out in every single game and leave nothing to chance on their mission to the reach – and win -- the state championship game.
Playing like their lives depended on every possession, coach Scott Murphy’s girls thoroughly dominated a very solid Brearley program en route to a 3-0 victory yesterday at Lieder Field in New Providence.
``Right now we’re playing every game like it’s our last,’’ said New Providence senior captain Kim Closs, who scored the game’s first two goals. ``We still remember how we lost at state. We try
not to think about it because we have to concentrate on winning the next game, but we want to get to College of New Jersey (site of the state finals). That’s definitely our top goal.’’
New Providence’s attacking style was evident from the outset. Brearley rarely possessed the ball in its offensive third, and a defensive line anchored by senior sweeper Nan Tucker made sure New Providence was constantly pushing forward.
``I think the key for us is that we have 10 seniors and we’ve been playing together since sixth grade,’’ said Tucker, who helped orchestrate the team’s fifth shutout of the season. ''We have an understanding of each other, of the style of play we all have. We know we have a team that can win a lot of games.’’
Closs drew first blood at 13:35 when Gina Caprara’s rifle shot caromed off the hands of Brearley keeper Krissy Pinho (15 saves). Closs was there inside the box to body the rebound into the net.
Closs notched her 11th goal of the season in the 42nd minute on a play keyed by freshman Alex Schlobohm, who carried across the 50-yard line and threaded a pass inside the 18 to her senior sister Rachel. The elder Schlobohm flipped a pass to the left wing to Closs, who converted by hammering a shot off the right post.
Indicative of New Providence’s style of play this fall, Rachel Schlobohm closed out the scoring in the 72nd minute when she streaked through the Brearley defense and closed out a 40-yard run. New Providence outshot Brearley, 18-1.
To Pinho’s credit, the sophomore goalie was challenged all day and handled the pressure well. Wearing brand-new gloves purchased the day before, she snagged four shots from inside 10 yards and single-handedly kept her team in the game, finishing with 15 saves.
It was not the kind of effort Brearley coach Kristen Jeans was expecting. Brearley returned all but one of its key players from last season, when the Kenilworth school made its first-ever run to a sectional final. Brearley lost to Robbinsville in the Central Jersey, Group 1 final, and Jeans believes the 2009 edition is better than last year’s group.
But junior forward Amanda Filippone, who leads the team with seven goals, said the team was caught off-guard by a couple of calls which didn’t go Brearley’s way.
``When the refs made some bad calls, we lost our concentration and started taking out on ourselves,’’ Filippone said. ``Our passing could have been a lot better, because it seemed like we kicked the ball out of our end more than anything else. We can play a lot better than today.’’
1st 2nd Final
Brearley (6-2) 0 0 0
New Providence (8-0) 1 2 3
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 2. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: Brearley 1. New Providence 18.
Saves: Brearley Krissy Pinho 15. New Providence Connie Haggerty 1.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior forwards Kim Closs and Rachel Schlobohm each tallied a goal and an assist as 10th-ranked New Providence stayed undefeated. Senior keeper Connie Haggerty made five saves in the shutout.
QUITE A START - Senior striker Rachel Schlobohm (white uniform) utilized her exceptional speed to beat Oak Knoll School goalkeeper Alex Feltes to the ball, and the result was this shot that resulted in Schlobohm’s second goal in last week’s match, while OKS sweeper Rachel Edelson can only look on. Schlobohm was to notch a third tally during the Lady Pioneers’ 6-0 victory to give her eight goals in NP’s first three games.
Game 9 - October 08, 2009
New Providence 8, Rahway 0
THE STAR LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm recorded her third hat trick of the season and Kim Closs tacked on two more
goals to pace New Providence (9-0), which exploded after owning a 1-0 halftime lead in New Providence. Alexa Lesnewich, Amy Marchisio and Stephanni Perini scored once each, while Kristen Lucid, Jenna Fay and Allison Boyle all added two assists. Rahway is 4-6.
Assists: New Providence Allison Boyle 2. Jenna Fay 2. Kristen Lucid 2. Tori Crisafi. Nicole Saitta.
Shots: Rahway 5. New Providence 22.
Saves: Rahway Katrina Plowman 15. New Providence Connie Haggerty 3.
THE COURIER NEWS
The 10th-ranked Pioneers waited until there were 30 seconds left in the first half to kick it into gear when senior forward Rachel Schlobohm finished from the far post on a cross from Kristen Lucid. The goal was the first of three for Schlobohm, while senior Connie Haggerty posted her sixth shutout with three saves.
Game 10 - October 10, 2009
New Providence 8, Linden 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm scored twice and Kim Closs collected a goal and three assists to power third-seeded New Providence in the first round of the Union County Tournament in New Providence. Stephanni Perini and Gina Caprara added a goal and an assist each for New Providence (10-0). Francesca Catananzi connected the lone goal for 14th-seeded Linden (6-5).
1st 2nd Final
Linden (6-5) 1 0 1
New Providence (10-0) 6 2 8
Goals: Linden Francesca Catananzi. New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 2. Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Emma Culleton. Jenna Fay. Stephanni Perini. Alex Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs 3. Lauren Bulzacchelli. Gina Caprara. Jenna Fay. Amy Marchisio. Stephanni Perini.
Shots: Linden 3. New Providence 17.
Saves: Linden Sarah Harris 11. New Providence Connie Haggerty 3.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior Rachel Schlobohm scored the first two goals, while Kim Closs assisted on the first
three and scored another as unbeaten and third-seeded New Providence cruised into the second round next Saturday against No. 11 seed Union Catholic.
Game 11 - October 12, 2009
New Providence 4, Oak Knoll 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm scored a goal and added three assists while Gina Caprara, Kim Closs
and Emma Culleton each scored once for New Providence (11-0) in Chatham. Connie
Haggerty made two saves for the shutout. Oak Knoll is 8-3.
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (11-0) 3 1 4
Oak Knoll (8-3) 0 0 0
Goals: New Providence Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Emma Culleton. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 3.
Shots: New Providence 17. Oak Knoll 3.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 2. Oak Knoll Alex Feltes 6. Deidre Walsh 4.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior Rachel Schlobohm and senior Kim Closs each tallied a goal and two assists
to lead New Providence. Sophomore Emma Culleton and junior Gina Caprara also
struck for the 10th-ranked Pioneers.
Game 12 - October 13, 2009
New Providence 4, Kent Place 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
New Providence (12-0) pulled away after a scoreless first half to remain undefeated thanks to a second-half explosion by Kim Closs (two goals, one assist) and Gina Caprara (one goal, one assist) in New Providence. Connie Haggerty made two saves for her eighth shutout. Kent Place is 4-7.
1st 2nd Final
Kent Place (4-7) 0 0 0
New Providence (12-0) 0 4 4
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 2. Gina Caprara.
Assists: New Providence Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: Kent Place 2. New Providence 24.
Saves: Kent Place Liza Kowalik 16. New Providence Connie Haggerty 2.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior Kim Closs tallied two goals and an assist, while junior Gina Caprara added a goal and an assist to power ninth-ranked New Providence. Senior Rachel Schlobohm picked up an assist for the Pioneers, while senior Connie Haggerty made two saves to record her eighth shutout.
The Independent Press - October 14, 2009
Rachel Schlobohm is Athlete of the Month for September 2009
By Art Polakowski
The leading scorer for a New Providence High
School soccer team that brought a 10-0 record
into this week’s action, Rachel Schlobohm
receives her award from RYCO’s Jim Newton.
Sponsored by RYCO, the ‘Athlete of the Month’
is selected by the Independent Press.
Soccer star is a striking success
Her commitment to the sport is perhaps more extensive than any other girl who’s ever represented New Providence High School on the soccer field, but Rachel Schlobohm also appreciates there necessarily are some limits. A case in point occurred this past Sunday, when Schlobohm had planned to be in Maryland for a tournament with her club team.
Then she took a closer look at the NPHS schedule and reconsidered.
“We had our County Tournament game [last] Saturday and then back-to-back games with Oak Knoll and Kent Place [this past] Monday and Tuesday,” Schlobohm noted. “It would have meant playing four consecutive days, plus traveling to and from Maryland. Our high school season is much more important, so this was one tournament I had to miss.”
Schlobohm’s off-season efforts are similar to those of many top-shelf soccer athletes - and it’s evolved as accepted procedure in other sports as well. Where Rachel carries it further is how much outside-of-school soccer she plays during the fall. Yet she offers a logical reason.
“I didn’t get involved in club soccer until my sophomore year of high school,” Schlobohm explained. “Relatively speaking, that’s very late. Many of the girls on our club team (Match Fit Academy in Parsippany) have been playing high-level soccer most of their lives.”
So Schlobohm is sort of catching up. Rachel reports that her longest break from soccer throughout a calendar year might be two weeks. Meaning 50 weeks of soccer, and double the required effort during the autumn when high school and club campaigns intersect.
“You’re always concerned about potential burnout, not to mention the risk of injury,” New Providence Coach Scott Murphy admitted. “Still, Rachel’s only been doing it for two years. And it’s surely helped her become the player that she is.”
Combining with classmate Kim Closs to form a junior striker tandem that fueled the Lady Pioneers to a 2008 State Section championship, Schlobohm has lifted her game a couple more notches this fall. Rachel’s already scored more goals (18) than (the 16) she tallied during the 2008 season.
Blessed with remarkable athleticism including the speed to invariably separate from opposing defenders, Schlobohm scored 10 goals in New Providence’s six September matches. Rachel is our RYCO / Independent Press ‘Athlete of the Month.’
Possessing a 10-0 record entering this week’s action, the Pioneers are clearly a stronger side than the NP contingent which concluded last year with a 16-2-3 mark. Expectations in the New Providence soccer community confirm that opinion.
“There’ll be some disappointed people if we don’t win the Group I state championship,” Murphy facetiously agreed.
Yet the players buy into the one game at a time approach.
“I think we’ve done a good job focusing on each and every match,” said Schlobohm, a tri-captain of the NPHS girls along with Closs and goalkeeper Connie Haggerty.
One of Schlobohm’s attributes is versatility. She was the sweeper for New Providence’s town team back in grade school - (“My coach liked that I was faster than opposing forwards and could break up most scoring chances,” Rachel explains) - and Murphy deployed her as a center midfielder for a half-dozen or so games early last season.
However, there’s been no such experimenting this year.
“Rachel prefers to play up front, and that’s where she’ll stay,” Murphy acknowledged. “She’s certainly one of the two best strikers [Closs being the other] I’ve ever coached, and they might be numbers 1 and 1A in New Providence history. Among Rachel’s qualities are her tenacity, and how driven she is to succeed. The commitment she’s made to the sport has lifted her technical skills near the level of her athleticism, which has obviously always been there.”
Schlobohm’s achievements extend beyond the soccer field. An example being the 4.1 grade point average she maintains in the classroom. That GPA explains why she was recruited by several Ivy League schools, and Rachel has chosen to continue her education and play Division I soccer at Cornell.
Gina Caprara (10), LEFT, celebrates with Kim Closs (17) after Cross scored the only goal in the first half
New Providence girls soccer player Rachel Schlobohm (11).
Stephanie Hand (4) of David Brearley tries to control the ball under pressure form Amy Marchisino (18)
Jillian Pecina (11), RIGHT, of David Brearley High School battles Stephanni (cq) Perini (14)
Gianna Pinho (6) of Brearley, reacts as Rachel Schlobohm (11) of New Providence kicks the ball downfield.
Becky Oliviera (10) of Brearley battles with Tori Crisafi (16)
Goalie Krissy Pinho of David Brearley High School collides with Kim Closs (17)
New Providence girls soccer player Amy Marchisio (18).
Game 13 - October 18, 2009 – UC Tournament
New Providence 2, Union Catholic 1
1 THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs scored midway through the first overtime for third-seeded New Providence (13-0) in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals in New Providence. Rachel Schlobohm staked New Providence to a 1-0 halftime lead before Colleen Mulkern tied it for 11th-seeded Union Catholic in the second half.
1st 2nd OT1 Final
Union Catholic (0-0) 0 1 0 1
New Providence (13-0) 1 0 1 2
Goals: Union Catholic Colleen Mulkern. New Providence Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Amy Marchisio. Alex Schlobohm.
Shots: Union Catholic 4. New Providence 17.
Saves: Union Catholic Samantha Pauls 9. New Providence Connie Haggerty 4.
Game 14 - October 20, 2009
New Providence 5, Governor Livingston 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs tallied a pair of goals, Gina Caprara and Rachel Schlobohm both added one and Connie Haggerty made five saves as New Providence (14-0) notched its ninth shutout of the season at Lieder Field in New Providence. Gov. Livingston is 7-5-1.
1st 2nd Final
Gov. Livingston (7-5-1) 0 0 0
New Providence (14-0-0) 2 3 5
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 2. Gina Caprara. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Jenna Fay. Alex Schlobohm. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: Gov. Livingston 7. New Providence 21.
Saves: Gov. Livingston Kristen Masullo 11. Casey Krause 5. New Providence Connie Haggerty 5.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior Kim Closs scored two goals and senior Rachel Schlobohm added a goal and an assist
to power eighth-ranked New Providence.
Junior Gina Caprara also scored for the Pioneers, who got five saves from senior keeper Connie Haggerty. Kristen Masullo made 12 saves for Governor Livingston, splitting the game with Casey Krause, who stopped nine shots.
THE STAR LEDGER - October 21, 2009
Team To Watch
As the county's only unbeaten team, New Providence (13-0) is facing a tremendous challenge. Coach Scott Murphy's squad which is seeded third, must face second-seeded Scotch Plains-Fanwood in the UCT semifinals on Sunday at 5pm at Johnson in Clark. Scotch Plains (11-1-1) has won the last four UCT championships and owns one of the stubborn defenses in the state - it has allowed just four goals in 13 matches.
Star Ledger - October 22, 2009
GIRLS SOCCER -- Union County Tournament Final Four a terrific showcase
By Rich Bevensee
Since a great deal of my time in the fall is saddled with cross-country obligations, I really look forward to the semifinal round of the Union County Tournament. It is by far my favorite day of the season, for a number of reasons.
Here's the schedule for Sunday at Johnson High in Clark:
Second-seeded Scotch Plains v. third-seeded New Providence at 5 p.m.
Top-seeded Westfield v. fifth-seeded Cranford at 7 p.m.
Most of the coaches around the county take time to catch one or both games of the UCT semifinal doubleheader, and that means catching up with folks I haven't seen in a while, and getting some unique insight to the game itself. I've been on the beat since 1999, but I have never pretended to be a soccer expert. I'd like to think the coaches appreciate that.
The semis themselves are a great showcase for the county's best soccer. There are no pretenders in this round, and this year's foursome serves as a great example. Undefeated Westfield is No. 3 in The Star-Ledger Top 20 and will be facing a one-loss Cranford team. No. 14 Scotch Plains, the four-time, defending champion, also has just one loss and will take on undefeated New Providence, a team which is anxious to prove it can run with the big dogs (read: Group 3 and 4 schools).
Beating the big dogs will be another matter, entirely. Westfield (18 UCT titles) and Scotch Plains (champions 05-08) are the two dominant programs in the county, and when they reach the UCT semifinals usually one of them goes home the champion.
In eight of the last 10 years, either Westfield or Scotch Plains has reached the semis, and in six of those eight years, one of those teams celebated a title. That's the daunting task facing Cranford and New Providence.
Westfield is the tournament's winningest program but hasn't taken home the trophy since tying Scotch Plains, 1-1, in 2006. Westfield reached the final again the following season but bowed to Scotch Plains.
Cranford won its only UCT title in 2000, the same year it won The Star-Ledger Top 20 Trophy as the best team in the state. Cranford reached the final in 2004 and lost to Gov. Livingston.
Scotch Plains is aiming for a fifth straight UCT final appearance, and will face an opponent it hasn't seen since 2001. New Providence lost to Scotch Plains in a regular season match that year but later beat Scotch Plains in the UCT quarters.
This is New Providence's second UCT Final four appearance. The first was in 2001, when it reached the final but lost to Westfield.
Be prepared for defensive battles across the board. These semifinalists have combined to allow just 22 goals in 59 matches (0.37 goals per game) and have registered 34 shutouts.
Game 15 – October 23, 2009
New Providence 8, Roselle Park 0
STAR-LEDGER
Sophomore midfielder Tori Crisafi recorded her first career hat trick and Kim Closs and Rachel Schlobohm netted two goals each as New Providence (15-0) remained undefeated, in New Providence. Roselle Park is 4-12.
1st 2nd Final
Roselle Park (4-12) 0 0 0
New Providence (15-0) 5 3 8
Goals: New Providence Tori Crisafi 3. Kim Closs 2. Rachel Schlobohm 2. Gina Caprara.
Assists: New Providence Alex Schlobohm 2. Gina Caprara. Tori Crisafi. Emma Culleton. Rachel Schlobohm. Cory Siberine.
Shots: Roselle Park 22. New Providence 1.
Saves: Roselle Park Amira Djokovic 18. New Providence Connie Haggerty.
Game 16 – October 25, 2009
New Providence 0, SPF 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Winning county championships is a tradition that Avika Shah and her Scotch Plains-Fanwood teammates are not ready to see die just yet.
``We had five seniors last year that won every single year, but there’s no reason that tradition has to stop just because they graduated,’’ Shah said. ``We’re excited about the chance to keep it going.’’
And as Scotch Plains, No. 14 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, has clawed its way into its fifth straight county final, the team can start by thanking junior keeper Paige DellaBadia, who was sensational in goal, stopping shot after close-range shot.
It was her defensive presence that made Sarah Vanbuskirk’s goal in the 19th minute stand up in a 1-0 victory over previously undefeated New Providence in the semifinals of the 29th Union County Tournament last night in Clark.
DellaBadia registered her 11th shutout of the season by stopping five shots for Scotch Plains (13-1-1), winner of the last four UCT titles, and all five were of the point-blank variety. Kim Closs, the county’s 2008 scoring champion who leads New Providence (15-1) with 20 goals, was shut out for only the third time this season.
The best save of the contest came in the 47th minute when New Providence’s Gina Caprara unleashed a rocket inside six yards that landed in the sure-handed grasp of DellaBadia.
``I know if I get a good save like that I can keep going,’’ DellaBadia said. ``I just tell myself it can’t get much worse. My defense has my back so I can’t let them down.’’
Vanbuskirk recorded her 10th goal of the season during a first-half surge which saw Scotch Plains continuously threaten the back of New Providence’s net. The threats were realized in the 19th minute when Shah threaded a beautiful pass inside the goal box, where Vanbuskirk slotted the ball inside the right post.
That was the only miscue made by New Providence keeper Connie Haggerty, who finished with four saves.
New Providence senior forward Rachel Schlobohm said that Scotch Plains employed an effective system of switching midfield assignments that kept her teammates guessing. That system slowed New Providence’s offensive attack, which normally generates from the midfield.
``We weren’t ready to switch places in the midfield and mark players that quickly,’’ said Schlobohm, whose team was shut out for the first time since Sept. 18 of last season, a stretch of 32 matches. ``That confused our midfielders. When we did have control in the midfield, we had our opportunities.’’
Seeking a fifth consecutive Union County championship, the Scotch Plains girls soccer team dealt New Providence its first defeat of the 2009 campaign when a stellar goalkeeping performance by the Raiders’ Paige DellaBadia enabled an early score to stand up, and Scotch Plains came away with a 1-0 victory Sunday evening at Clark’s high school field.
Sarah VanBuskirk connected for the lone tally midway through the first half, converting an assist feed from Avika Shah on which New Providence keeper Connie Haggerty had no chance.
DellaBadia was credited with five saves, one more than Haggerty during a match in which Scotch Plains assumed early territorial control. New Providence rebounded and, arguably, had the better of play in the second half, but the Lady Pioneers weren’t able to notch a tying goal.
Scotch Plains lifted its record to 13-1-1 while advancing to next weekend’s UCT title round, where the Raiders would face either Westfield or Cranford who took the field at 7:00 pm for the second half of Sunday’s semifinal doubleheader. The Lady Pioneers are now 15-1.
Game 17 – October 26, 2008
New Providence 4, Dayton 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm scored two first-half goals to pace host New Providence (16-1). Kim Closs had one goal and one assist, Alex Schlobohm added a goal and Jill Ashinsky made a save for her first shutout. Stephanie Farber made 14 saves for Dayton (7-8-1).
1st 2nd Final
Dayton (7-8-1) 0 0 0
New Providence (16-1-0) 4 0 4
Goals: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 2. Kim Closs. Alex Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Tori Crisafi. Nan Tucker.
Shots: Dayton 1. New Providence 19.
Saves: Dayton Stephanie Farber 14. New Providence Jill Ashinsky.
THE COURIER NEWS
Senior forward Rachel Schlobohm scored two first-half goals to pace eighth-ranked New Providence, which improved to 16-1. Senior forward Kim Closs chipped in a goal and an assist for the Pioneers, who outshot Dayton 19-1.
The Independent Press
New Providence girls dealt first soccer defeat in Union County Tournament semifinal
By Art Polakowski
The 15-game winning streak ended Sunday evening in Clark when the NewProvidence High School girls soccer team was dealt its first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Scotch Plains in the semifinal round of the Union County Tournament. A four-time defending UCT champion, Scotch Plains seized early control and enjoyed much the better of territorial play right up to tallying its goal on Sarah VanBuskirk’s conversion of Avika Shah’s dish into the box.
Yet New Providence responded to that score midway through the first half by playing their favored opponent on even terms the rest of the way, and the Lady Pioneers had the better scoring opportunities over the final 60 minutes of action. However, Scotch Plains received several sparkling saves from junior goalkeeper Paige DellaBadia, who rang up her 11th shutout of the autumn.
Scotch Plains (obviously) did an efficient job defending New Providence’s superb senior striker tandem of Rachel Schlobohm and Kim Closs. Schlobohm is on target to establish a new single-season school scoring record, while Closs is the program’s career-leading scorer. Yet the Lady Raiders succeeded in keeping both off the board Sunday evening.
The second seed (behind Westfield) in the tourney, Scotch Plains improved its season record to 11-1-1. New Providence slipped to 15-1.
NP’s 14th consecutive victory occurred at Lieder Field last Tuesday afternoon, and it was necessarily among the more satisfying wins as far as the New Providence players were concerned. For the Pioneers dominated their match against archrival Berkeley Heights, blanking the Governor Livingston girls by a 5-0 score.
New Providence netted two goals in virtually the first two minutes of action, as Closs and Schlobohm each sent their initial shots into the net. Closs scored on the opening offensive thrust, beating a defender down the left sideline and then picking the upper right corner of the cage with her left-footed shot.
Thus it was 1-0 just 28 seconds into the match, and Schlobohm made it 2-0 at the 2:01 mark, disengaging from a defender to knock in a rebound on which GL goalkeeper Kristen Masullo wasn’t able to obtain possession.
Closs and Schlobohm each added goals in the second half, and junior midfielder Gina Caprara notched the other tally.
The original New Providence schedule lists NP’s final two regular-season matches for this week, (this past) Monday against Springfield and tomorrow (Thursday) night at Kenilworth. But there were also two postponed games still expected to be played, against Cranford and Benedictine Academy. However, the Pioneers’ primary focus for the remainder of the campaign will be towards the NJSIAA State Tournament.
Coach Scott Murphy’s crew claimed the State Section crown a year ago en route to its 16-2-3 record. The New Providence 2008 season was terminated in a penalty-kick shootout following a 1-1 draw against North Jersey Section One champ Waldwick in the State Semifinal round.
With seven returning starters from that squad, the Pioneers were the preseason favorite to successfully defend their sectional title. And Coach Murphy admits that anything short of going all the way in Group I might be construed as a disappointment amidst NP’s soccer community.
Left side midfielder Caprara, senior center midfielder Amy Marchisio, senior left fullback Alexa Lesnewich, senior sweeper Nan Tucker, and senior goalkeeper Connie Haggerty are the other returning 2008 regulars along with Closs and Schlobohm. And while junior stopper Allison Boyle wouldn’t have been labeled a starter last autumn, she saw significant playing time as a 10th-grader.
Senior Jenna Fay, sophomore Nicole Saitta, and freshman Alex Schlobohm are the lineup’s relative newcomers. Fay, who played some meaningful minutes last fall, operates as the right side midfielder. That she was the lone ninth-grader on last season’s varsity roster suggests Saitta is viewed as a highly promising athlete, and she’s playing very well at the right fullback position. Which is also a compliment to her versatility, as Saitta was usually deployed at forward last season.
Alex Schlobohm, the only freshman on this year’s roster (and, as you’d suspect, Rachel’s sister), has claimed a starting center midfield post since the campaign began.
Soccer aficionados regard Whippany Park as the one threat to New Providence in the State Section. Since Whippany projects as only the fifth seed, a potential NP-WP match would be in the sectional semifinals.
Cresskill is regarded as the favorite to win the North Jersey Section One crown. Defending state champion Robbinsville and Pennsville are considered the teams to beat in Central and South Jersey, respectively.
THERE WHEN NEEDED - Connie Haggerty can go through long stretches of soccer games without a lot of activity due to the extent her New Providence teammates frequently control the action, but the Lady Pioneers’ senior goalkeeper will invariably provide a save when the occasion arises. In last week’s match against Governor Livingston, Haggerty made this spectacular stop to deny GL’s Paige Murphy.
Photo by J. Homer Fuentes
The Westfield Leader
October 28.2009
VANBUSKIRK SCORES, DELLABADIA 11TH SHUTOUT
Raider Soccer Girls Topple Pioneeers, 1-0, in UCT Semi
By Fred Lecomte
Seeking its fifth straight Union County title, the second-seeded Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School girls’ soccer team, ranked No. 14, nipped the Pioneers of New Providence, 1-0, in the semifinals at A.L. Johnson High School in Clark on October 25. The Raiders will face
fifth-seeded Cranford, who defeated Westfield, 1-0, in a sudden-death shootout for the title.
Midfielder Sarah Vanbuskirk provided the lone goal in the 19th minute of the first half. The Raiders greeted Pioneer goalie Connie Haggerty with six shots on goal, four in the first half. Forward Avika Shah launched three shots, and midfielders Sarah Canfield and Kathryn
Dinizo each delivered one shot. Raider junior goalkeeper Paige Della Badia earned her 11th straight shutout of the season and made five spectacular diving saves.
The most dramatic save came when Gina Caprara hit a shot from inside the box that was smothered by Della Badia. “New Providence is a good team. Scott Murphy does a good job coaching them,” Raider Head Coach Kevin Ewing said. “They have a couple of real good
kids up front, and we tried to contain them as best as we could.
The kids played hard and well all over the field, and it was a good defensive battle. We had
some chances offensively and they did as well at the end of the game. That was the
difference; one goal in the first half. Paige (Della Badia) did a great job. She should not have
been put into that position where she had to make those saves but did a good job making
them. She’s been doing it all year.” The 13-1-1 Raiders controlled the tempo and their efforts were rewarded when Shah charged downfield, avoided two defenders and crossed a diagonal
shot to the back post where Vanbuskirk deposited the bouncing ball off her chest and
inside the left corner of the net for her 17th goal of the season.
The Raider defense tightened at every Pioneer attack. Ally Prestridge, Delia McGee and
Claudia Falconieri secured the defensive middle. “We knew that we had to come out strong
and show them what we are made of, get the win and move on to the finals. Mr. Ewing has
been talking to us about one of us staying up high on the sweeper, so if we have someone
pressuring her, there is a good chance you end up one-on-one with her and have a good
shot at the goal. What an amazing feeling winning the semis, and everyone knows that we
can do it and we are capable to go the whole way,” Vanbuskirk said.
The Raiders maintained their aggressive nature, but near the end of the second half, within a span of three minutes, the 15-1 Pioneers mounted a continuous attack in Raider territory.
Despite the shelling, the Pioneers failed to find the mark, partly due to Della Badia’s
consistency. “It’s really important to keep my head in the game. I need to be quick on my
feet for anything that comes at me, and it’s important to keep confidence in my defense,”
Della Badia said. “As to the saves, the one I recall was the girl who was about five feet in
front of me. She fired a rocket. I’m lucky it went right at me. That was pure reaction on my
part. I could not have been placed better, but I’m glad that she did not go right or left because
that could have been much more dangerous. The other came on a dangerous play where I
was coming out, but I was a little more worried because I got hurt on a similar type of play like that a few weeks ago. As a first year player, I’m really excited, I’m nervous and never had anything so exciting happen before. We have a good offensive line that can put goals in and
Best New Providence girls team claimed two soccer crowns
Tracking the Pioneers by Eddie Morgan
NEW PROVIDENCE - Coming into the 2009 fall season, the girls on the New Providence High School soccer team had some expectations to live up to. With the Lady Pioneers having captured the Group I State Section title a year ago, the stakes were high this autumn. For as a defending sectional champion returning the nucleus of last year’s team, it was understandable why many people regarded New Providence as the favorite to win the overall Group I state crown.
In fact, expectations were so great Coach Scott Murphy admits that the overall 2009 goal was to earn Conference, County, and State championships.
Despite being under enormous pressure throughout the season, the NPHS girls succeeded in winning their Union County Conference and State Section titles, while reaching the semifinals of the Union County Tournament. Concluding with an overall 21-2 record, these Lady Pioneers (arguably) fashioned the finest campaign in school history. And what’s rather indisputable (when you consider the evolution of a sport which seems to progress every year) is that it was New Providence’s best-ever team.
Along with their Conference and State Section championships, the Pioneers defeated Union County champion Cranford in a regular-season match.
“I was extremely happy with the way the season played out,” Coach Murphy said. “It was heartbreaking how it ended [a 1-0 loss in the State Semifinals, Cresskill scoring the goal with less than four minutes remaining after New Providence had the better of territorial play most of the game], but overall it was probably the best season in NPHS history.”
For a team to be that good, it needs not only solid coaching but also talented players. Led by an outstanding group of seniors joined by a host of promising underclassmen, New Providence clearly possessed the athletes.
Pairing at the striker positions were seniors Rachel Schlobohm and Kim Closs, four-year starters who knowledgeable soccer people consider the two best forwards in New Providence history. When clicking on all cylinders, they proved a lethal combination.
The midfield posts were filled by seniors Amy Marchisio and Jenna Fay, junior Gina Caprara, and freshman Alex Schlobohm. Marchisio and Fay are phenomenal athletes, while Caprara and A. Schlobohm will be four-year starters like Closs and R. Schlobohm.
Seniors Nan Tucker and Alexa Lesnewich anchored the defensive corps along with junior Allie Boyle and sophomore Nicole Saitta. Senior Connie Haggerty was NP’s goalkeeper, and she’s another girl who’s been a vital contributor since her freshman year.
Seniors Kristen Lucid, Lauren Bulzacchelli, and Anna Rose Gellert were three key substitutes this autumn.
Yet it’s widely known that possessing great talent can only take a team so far. With that in mind, Coach Murphy cited the team’s competitiveness and desire to win as other reasons for their success.
“The girls hated to lose, and they always went 100 percent,” Murphy related.
Although the state championship they coveted narrowly slipped out of their reach, the seniors admitted it was an unforgettable season nonetheless. Haggerty summed up all the players’ sentiments:
“From the dance parties, to the pasta parties, to the games, this season was - hands down - one that none of us will ever forget!”
Editor’s note: Eddie is a senior at New Providence High School.
Game 18 - October 28 2009
New Providence 1, Cranford 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs assisted Rachel Schlobohm at the 70:46 mark to propel New Providence (16-1) and spoil Cranford's senior night at Memorial Field in Cranford. Connie Haggerty grabbed her 11th shutout with six saves, while Lauren Grandal made five saves for 20th-ranked Cranford (14-2-2).
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (16-1-0) 0 1 1
Cranford (14-2-2) 0 0 0
Goals: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 6. Cranford Lauren Grandal 5.
Game 19 - October 29 2009
New Providence 1, Breadley 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Emma Culleton connected in the 63rd minute on a direct kick to propel New Providence
(18-1) in Kenilworth. Connie Haggerty snagged her second straight shutout and her
13th this season with nine saves. Krissy Pinho turned away 11 shots for Brearley (9-6-2).
1st 2nd Final
New Providence (18-1-0) 0 1 1
Brearley (9-6-2) 0 0 0
Goals: New Providence Emma Culleton.
Shots: New Providence 9. Brearley 12.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 9. Brearley Krissy Pinho 11.
Schedule
New Providence 3, Brearley 0 - Pictures by Jennifer Brown
Star Ledger - October 6, 2009
The Providential
New Providence High School
September 2009
BY HANNAH LAVINE
This year the girls are back in town. The 2009 season is important for the varsity team, especially for the seniors.When I asked Rachel. Schlobohm, one of the returning seniors and one of the three captains (Schlobohm, Kim Closs, and Connie Haggerty), how the team was looking, she replied "awesome, better than ever." She also explained how much talent the team has and that with the returning seniors they will definitely go far. "We definitely want to be in Conferences and to go further in Counties," said Head Coach Scott Murphy. He and the team hope to make it to the state tournamnet
Opening day for girl's soccer was Septem- her 15, 2009, and they started with a bang. They played against Jonathan Dayton High School and crushed them 7-1. As Stephanni Perini, a sophomore on Varsity said, "Murph really thought we stepped up to the plate and really worked well together." Schlobohrn had a great header into the goal, with a total of four goals throughout the game. Also, Closs, senior Jenna Fay and Alex Schlobohrn, a freshman, had a goal each. The team played tough games agaisnt rivals Oak Knoll, Kent Palce and Union Catholic. on September 17th, September 22nd and Spetember 24th, respectively. The girls crushed Oak Knoll 6-0. Schlobohm had three great goals and Closs had one.
However great these rivalries may be though, none can hold a candle to the one shared with Governor Livingston in-Berekely Heights. When asked about playing our top rival, Coach Murphy and assistant 'head Coach Melissa Halpern smiled. They explained how the team is always happy.and excited to play GL just because of the rivalry between the two schools.
When asked about the leaving seniors and if the coaches would miss them, the answer was definitely a yes. For the ten seniors on the team, they will also miss the team as well. All will be sad, but they believe that the rest of the girls on varsity, junior varsity and freshman soccer will do well for the Pioneers. “From what I heard the Jv and freshman teams are doing really well," says Coach Murphy, "there will definitely be-success in the following years
Entering the month of October the Varsity girls’ soccer team is doing very well. So far, they have a 5-0 seasom. beating Jonathan Dayton High School 7--1, Oak Knoll 6-0, Kent Place School 1-0, Benedictine Academy 9-0, and much to everyone's delight, Union Catholic 2-1. Coach Murphy had stated only a few days prior that,"Out of the seven years we've played them, we've always lost." The teams Upcoming games consist of Roselle Park, David Brearley, and Rahway, High School.
Allison Boyle #22
