No change at the top as No. 1 Warren Hills ran its record to 4-0 with Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bernards in a battle of 2011 Skyland Conference division winners.
UPDATE: Following Tuesday's washout, the Blue Streaks will host No. 3 Voorhees on Wednesday in the season's first big showdown and the 50th meeting overall in what's been a great grudge series over the last decade-plus. The two teams split a pair of matchups last season -- both winning on their home fields as the Streaks won 1-0 at home on the turf, while the Vikings prevailed 2-1 in overtime on the grass in Lebanon Township.
Voorhees, which leads 28-15-6 in the series dating to 1975 when it opened, has won three of the last four meetings and 16 of 24 since 2000. The teams also tied three times (2003, 04, '09) in that stretch.
Warren Hills, which also has a big showdown at Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday, has won just three of the last 16 encounters. Veteran Streaks coach Laurie Kerr's teams are 5-15-3 against Voorhees during her 12-year tenure. Kerr, a star player at the Washington school, was 0-1 against Voorhees as a player as the Streaks lost a 2-1 decision her senior year in 1986. The teams met just 11 times from 1986-99.
On the other end, second-year Voorhees coach Taylor Webb, an outstanding center midfielder for the Hunterdon County school, was 3-0 against Warren Hills as player -- winning 2-1 as a sophomore, 1-0 as a junior and 2-0 as a senior in the 2002 Hunterdon-Warren final.
Both teams are extremely young, but talented, so this should be another great one as this series usually decides the Skyland Raritan Division winner. Perhaps the first of three potential meetings this season. Voorhees will host the next regular-season clash on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
On with the rankings:
1. Warren Hills (4-0) -- Blue Streaks broke out offensively in their two wins last week after a pair of tight 2-1 affairs to open the season. First up was a 4-0 win over No. 4 Phillipsburg as Kerr notched her 200th win. Sophomore forward Jessica Nissen socred a pair of goals in the victory and got her fourth of the season in Saturday's 5-1 win over Bernards. Senior midfielder Niki Miller had a big week with one goal and two assists in each win. She also has four goals on the season. Kerr enters the week with an overall mark of 201-59-11.
Up next: Voorhees at home on Wednesday; at Somerville on Tuesday; at Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday.
2. Hunterdon Central (3-2) -- Red Devils have faced some stiff competition in the early going -- falling 3-2 to a very good Pingry team last Thursday before closing the week with a 1-0 independent win over Westfield on Saturday. Central enters the week 2-2 in the rugged Skyland Conference Delaware Division. Sophomore forward Kendall Nickel has carried much of the offensive load, scoring five goals in the team's last three games, including a hat trick in the Devils' 6-0 win over North Hunterdon last Tuesday.
Up next: at Madison on Tuesday; Watchung Hills at home on Thursday; Lawrenceville at home on Saturday.
3. Voorhees (2-0-1) -- The young Vikes are coming off a light work week -- a 1-1 tie at Montgomery last Monday and a 5-0 blanking of Somerville in a pair of Raritan Division matchups. Sophomore forward Abby Flagler made the scoring list with a goal and two assists against the 'Ville. Junior midfielder Tori Crans also notched her first goal of the season in that one. In all, seven different players have scored goals for Voorhees this season.
Up next: at Warren Hills on Wednesday; Delaware Valley at home on Thursday.
4. Phillipsburg (3-2) -- Stateliners went 2-1 last week, beating Somerville, 5-1, on the road before the loss to Warren Hills. Coach Jen Paulus' team capped it with a 3-0 win at Blair Academy on Saturday. Janelle Jackson had a goal and an assist in the victory over the Bucs, while goalie Brittany Lavin made two saves for her second shutout.
Up next: Delaware Valley at home on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Thursday; Ridge at home on Saturday.
5. High Point (4-0-1) -- Wildcats kept rolling with a 3-0 week, beating Mount Olive (4-0), Morris Hills (7-0) and Pope John (2-0) in NJAC American Division clashes. High Point has held the opposition scoreless in four straight, including a 0-0 tie with Pequannock. Senior forward Darby Smith increased her tri-county leading goals total to nine, including a hat trick against Morris Hills. Sophomore Alexis Ambrosino scored a total of six goals in the three wins.
Up next: at Sparta on Thursday; Montville at home on Saturday.
6. Delaware Valley (2-2) -- Terriers lost a pair of tough ones -- 2-1 to Warren Hills last Tuesday and 2-0 to Montgomery on Thursday before ending the week on a positive note with Friday's 1-0 win over North Hunterdon. Junior forward Robyn Case scored the winning goal off a feed from junior tri-captain Kristen Brokaw. Goalie Jackie Compta made two saves for the shutout.
Up next: at Phillipsburg on Tuesday; at Voorhees on Thursday; Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.) at home on Friday.
7. Wallkill Valley (3-1-1) -- Rangers rebounded from their first loss -- 7-0 to Parsippany last Tuesday -- with back-to-back 1-0 wins over Jefferson on Thursday and Newton on Saturday in a pair of NJAC Freedom Division matchups. The latter was on Newton's brand new turf field and gave coach Irene Chernati's team three straight wins over the Braves dating to last season. Junior forwards Casey Pustelniak and Courtney Berado had the winning goals last week. On Monday, Wallkill played to a 0-0 tie with unranked Pope John. Rangers have scored three goals in five games.
Up next: at North Warren on Wednesday; Hackettstown at home on Friday.
8. Newton (4-1) -- Braves rebounded from Saturday's 1-0 loss to No. 7 Wallkill Valley for a 4-3 win over Blair Academy on Monday. Senior midfielder Stephanie Mocerino scored a pair of goals, and she will be counted on to pick up more of the load with the loss of senior foward Melanie Rudio, who is done for the season with a knee injury.
Up next: Kittatinny at home on Wednesday night; Parsippany at home on Friday.
9. South Hunterdon (3-1) -- After a 1-0 win over No. 10 Belvidere on Thursday, the Eagles took their first loss, 5-0, to Montgomery on Saturday. Forward Kaycee Zelkovsky scored the winning goal against the County Seaters -- her team-leading fourth of the season. Goalie Samantha Soscia made eight saves for the shutout.
Up next: North Plainfield at home on Tuesday; Mount Saint Mary at home on Thursday; at Stuart Day on Friday.
10. Belvidere (2-3) -- County Seaters stopped a three-game skid -- all shutouts -- with Saturday's 2-0 win over Somerville in a Skyland crossover contest. Senior forward Alexa Beaumont converted a pair of goals in the victory. Senior goalie Amanda Fisher made two saves for the shutout.
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Saturday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Wrestling: NJSIAA releases 2012-13 classifications
Despite the uncertainty of when districts or regions may be held or whether there will be a week off between Groups and districts, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association released its classifications for the 2012-13 wrestling season.
Just a quick glance, High Point is back in Group 2 after winning the North 1, Group 2 sectional championship last season before a Group 2 semifinal loss to champion Raritan.
South Plainfield, last year's Group 3 champion and likely to start the upcoming season ranked as the state's No. 1 team, is back in the North 2, Group 3 section. Good new for High Point fans, not so much for Warren Hills fans. The Blue Streaks, who figure to have one of their best teams in recent years, are also in North 2, Group 3.
Phillipsburg, the defending Group 4 champion, will be a heavy favorite to repeat in the North 2, Group 4 draw. The Stateliners have won 32 of a possible 33 sectional crowns since 1980 -- reaching every final and only falling in the 1990 title match to Warren Hills.
In one change from last year, Lenape Valley drops down from Group 2 to Group 1 and shifts from the North 1 section to North 2. Definitely good news for Pats coach Doug Vetter, whose team figures to be a contender in that section.
Here is how the sectionals look involving Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schools only. For the full list click here:
North 1
Group 3
Locals: Sparta, Vernon.
The rest of the field: Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Indian Hills, Montville, Mount Olive, Northern Highlands, Old Tappan, Paramus, Pascack Valley, Passaic Valley, Roxbury, Teaneck, Tenafly, Wayne Hills, Wayne Valley, West Milford.
Group 2
Locals: High Point.
The rest of the field: Dover, Dumont, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights/Wood-Ridge, Jefferson, Lakeland, Leonia/Palisades Park, Lodi, Mahwah, Morris Hills, Demarest, Ramapo, Ramsey, Ridgefield Park, River Dell, West Essex, Westwood.
Group 1
Locals: Hopatcong, Kittatinny, Newton, North Warren, Wallkill Valley.
The rest of the field: Butler, Cresskill, Elmwood Park, Emerson/Park Ridge, Hawthorne, Kinnelon, Manchester Regional, New Milford, Pascack Hills, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Saddle Brook/Glen Rock, Waldwick/Midland Park.
North 2
Group 4
Locals: Hunterdon Central, North Hunterdon, Phillipsburg.
The rest of the field: Bayonne, Bridgewater-Raritan, Columbia, Edison, Elizabeth, Franklin, Hillsborough, Linden, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Ridge, J.P. Stevens, Union, Watchung Hills, Westfield.
Group 3
Locals: Warren Hills.
The rest of the field: Belleville, Colonia, East Side, Irvington, JFK-Iselin, Millburn, Morristown, New Brunswick, Nutley, Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Somerville, South Plainfield, West Morris, Mendham, Woodbridge.
Group 2
Locals: Hackettstown, Voorhees.
The rest of the field: Becton/Wallington, Brearley/Dayton, Newark Central, Chatham, Cliffside Park, Cranford, Fort Lee, Governor Livingston, Lyndhurst/North Arlington, Orange, Parsippany, Parsippany Hills, Shabazz, Summit, West Side.
Group 1
Locals: Belvidere, Lenape Valley.
The rest of the field: Bernards, Bogota/Weehawken, Boonton, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Hanover Park, Madison, Mountain Lakes, New Providence, Ridgefield, Rutherford, Secaucus, Verona, Weequahic, Whippany Park.
Central Jersey
Group 2
Locals: Delaware Valley.
The rest of the field: Carteret, Ewing, Holmdel, Lakewood, Lawrence, Long Branch, Manasquan, Matawan, Middlesex/Dunellen, Monmouth, North Plainfield, Point Pleasant Boro, Raritan, Red Bank, Robbinsville, Rumson-Fair Haven.
Non-Public
North A
Locals: Pope John.
The rest of the field: Bergen Catholic, Delbarton, Don Bosco Prep, Paramus Catholic, St. Joseph-Montvale, St. Peter's Prep, Seton Hall Prep.
Just a quick glance, High Point is back in Group 2 after winning the North 1, Group 2 sectional championship last season before a Group 2 semifinal loss to champion Raritan.
South Plainfield, last year's Group 3 champion and likely to start the upcoming season ranked as the state's No. 1 team, is back in the North 2, Group 3 section. Good new for High Point fans, not so much for Warren Hills fans. The Blue Streaks, who figure to have one of their best teams in recent years, are also in North 2, Group 3.
Phillipsburg, the defending Group 4 champion, will be a heavy favorite to repeat in the North 2, Group 4 draw. The Stateliners have won 32 of a possible 33 sectional crowns since 1980 -- reaching every final and only falling in the 1990 title match to Warren Hills.
In one change from last year, Lenape Valley drops down from Group 2 to Group 1 and shifts from the North 1 section to North 2. Definitely good news for Pats coach Doug Vetter, whose team figures to be a contender in that section.
Here is how the sectionals look involving Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schools only. For the full list click here:
North 1
Group 3
Locals: Sparta, Vernon.
The rest of the field: Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Indian Hills, Montville, Mount Olive, Northern Highlands, Old Tappan, Paramus, Pascack Valley, Passaic Valley, Roxbury, Teaneck, Tenafly, Wayne Hills, Wayne Valley, West Milford.
Group 2
Locals: High Point.
The rest of the field: Dover, Dumont, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights/Wood-Ridge, Jefferson, Lakeland, Leonia/Palisades Park, Lodi, Mahwah, Morris Hills, Demarest, Ramapo, Ramsey, Ridgefield Park, River Dell, West Essex, Westwood.
Group 1
Locals: Hopatcong, Kittatinny, Newton, North Warren, Wallkill Valley.
The rest of the field: Butler, Cresskill, Elmwood Park, Emerson/Park Ridge, Hawthorne, Kinnelon, Manchester Regional, New Milford, Pascack Hills, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Saddle Brook/Glen Rock, Waldwick/Midland Park.
North 2
Group 4
Locals: Hunterdon Central, North Hunterdon, Phillipsburg.
The rest of the field: Bayonne, Bridgewater-Raritan, Columbia, Edison, Elizabeth, Franklin, Hillsborough, Linden, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Ridge, J.P. Stevens, Union, Watchung Hills, Westfield.
Group 3
Locals: Warren Hills.
The rest of the field: Belleville, Colonia, East Side, Irvington, JFK-Iselin, Millburn, Morristown, New Brunswick, Nutley, Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Somerville, South Plainfield, West Morris, Mendham, Woodbridge.
Group 2
Locals: Hackettstown, Voorhees.
The rest of the field: Becton/Wallington, Brearley/Dayton, Newark Central, Chatham, Cliffside Park, Cranford, Fort Lee, Governor Livingston, Lyndhurst/North Arlington, Orange, Parsippany, Parsippany Hills, Shabazz, Summit, West Side.
Group 1
Locals: Belvidere, Lenape Valley.
The rest of the field: Bernards, Bogota/Weehawken, Boonton, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Hanover Park, Madison, Mountain Lakes, New Providence, Ridgefield, Rutherford, Secaucus, Verona, Weequahic, Whippany Park.
Central Jersey
Group 2
Locals: Delaware Valley.
The rest of the field: Carteret, Ewing, Holmdel, Lakewood, Lawrence, Long Branch, Manasquan, Matawan, Middlesex/Dunellen, Monmouth, North Plainfield, Point Pleasant Boro, Raritan, Red Bank, Robbinsville, Rumson-Fair Haven.
Non-Public
North A
Locals: Pope John.
The rest of the field: Bergen Catholic, Delbarton, Don Bosco Prep, Paramus Catholic, St. Joseph-Montvale, St. Peter's Prep, Seton Hall Prep.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Field hockey: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex standings
|
Through Sept. 15
Skyland Conference
|
|||
|
Delaware Division
|
|||
|
Overall
|
Division
|
||
|
Bridgewater-Raritan
|
(4-0)
|
(3-0)
|
|
|
Pingry
|
(4-0)
|
(3-0)
|
|
|
Hunterdon Central
|
(3-2)
|
(2-2)
|
|
|
Ridge
|
(2-3)
|
(2-2)
|
|
|
Watchung Hills
|
(1-2)
|
(1-2)
|
|
|
Hillsborough
|
(1-4)
|
(1-3)
|
|
|
North Hunterdon
|
(0-4)
|
(0-3)
|
|
|
Raritan Division
|
|||
|
Overall
|
Division
|
||
|
Warren Hills
|
(4-0)
|
(3-0)
|
|
|
Voorhees
|
(2-0-1)
|
(2-0-1)
|
|
|
Montgomery
|
(2-2-1)
|
(1-1-1)
|
|
|
Phillipsburg
|
(3-2)
|
(1-2)
|
|
|
Delaware Valley
|
(2-2)
|
(1-2)
|
|
|
Somerville
|
(1-4)
|
(0-3)
|
|
|
Valley Division
|
|||
|
Overall
|
Division
|
||
|
South Hunterdon
|
(3-1)
|
(3-0)
|
|
|
Franklin
|
(3-2)
|
(2-1)
|
|
|
Bernards
|
(2-3)
|
(2-1)
|
|
|
Belvidere
|
(2-3)
|
(1-2)
|
|
|
Mount Saint Mary
|
(1-3)
|
(1-2)
|
|
|
North Plainfield
|
(0-4)
|
(0-3)
|
|
|
Northwest Jersey
Athletic Conference
|
|||
|
Freedom Division
|
|||
|
Overall
|
Division
|
||
|
Wallkill Valley
|
(3-1)
|
(3-0)
|
|
|
Hackettstown
|
(3-1)
|
(3-1)
|
|
|
Newton
|
(3-1)
|
(3-1)
|
|
|
Kittatinny
|
(2-3)
|
(2-1)
|
|
|
Jefferson
|
(1-3)
|
(1-2)
|
|
|
Lenape Valley
|
(0-4)
|
(0-3)
|
|
|
North Warren
|
(1-4)
|
(0-4)
|
|
|
American Division
|
|||
|
Overall
|
Division
|
||
|
Morris Knolls
|
(5-0)
|
(5-0)
|
|
|
High Point
|
(4-0-1)
|
(4-0)
|
|
|
Montville
|
(2-1-1)
|
(2-1-1)
|
|
|
Vernon
|
(2-3)
|
(2-3)
|
|
|
Pope John
|
(1-3-1)
|
(1-2-1)
|
|
|
Morris Hills
|
(1-3)
|
(1-3)
|
|
|
Sparta
|
(1-3)
|
(1-3)
|
|
|
Mount Olive
|
(0-4)
|
(0-4)
|
|
Field hockey: HWS scoring leaders
|
Through Sept. 15
Player
|
School
|
Goals
|
Assists
|
Points
|
|
Darby Smith
|
High Point
|
9
|
4
|
22
|
|
Alexis Ambrosino
|
High Point
|
6
|
0
|
12
|
|
Rachel Colvin
|
Vernon
|
5
|
2
|
12
|
|
Niki Miller
|
Warren Hills
|
4
|
4
|
12
|
|
Kendall Nickel
|
Hunterdon Central
|
5
|
1
|
11
|
|
Jessica Towey
|
North Warren
|
3
|
3
|
9
|
|
Kaycee Zelkovsky
|
South Hunterdon
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
|
Nicole Barrett
|
Hunterdon Central
|
3
|
2
|
8
|
|
Karlee Liddy
|
Newton
|
4
|
0
|
8
|
|
Jessica Nissen
|
Warren Hills
|
4
|
0
|
8
|
|
Sydney Muntone
|
Warren Hills
|
2
|
3
|
7
|
|
Maureen Gill
|
High Point
|
1
|
4
|
6
|
|
Megan Calascibetta
|
Kittatinny
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
|
Melanie Rudio
|
Newton
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
|
Katie Decker
|
Phillipsburg
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
|
Kim Leung
|
Vernon
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
Friday, September 14, 2012
Field hockey: Kerr wins 200th as Streaks blank 'Liners
Warren Hills' field hockey program has achieved many milestones during coach Laurie Kerr's tenure as head coach. However, Thursday's 4-0 win over Skyland Conference rival Phillipsburg was extra special being the 200th victory in her 12 seasons on the sidelines. She's now 200-59-11 overall.
The Blue Streaks (3-0 overall, 3-0 Raritan Division) have now won nine straight in the series with the Stateliners dating to 2008. P'burg's last win was 3-2 in Washington on Oct. 30, 2007. Warren Hills, which leads 27-11-1 overall since 1974, has also recorded shutouts in six of the last eight meetings.
Sophomore forward Jessica Nissen helped pave the way to victory with a pair of goals, while outstanding senior midfielder Niki Miller added a goal -- her third of the season to match Nissen for the team lead through three games.
It was the offensive breakout that Warren Hills -- which won its first two games over Montgomery and Delaware Valley by identical 2-1 scores -- had been looking for early on. The Streaks, ranked No. 1 in the Open Mike area, are pegged by many to make a run at a Group 3 state championship.
Goalie Katie Wintersteen recorded six saves for her first shutout this season and the 24th of her career as a three-year starter in the cage. Talented sophomores Sydney Muntone and Nikki Profita had assists on offense, while junior forward Shannon Zignoli scored her first varsity goal.
Warren Hills will next host Bernards, the 2011 Valley Division champion, on Saturday. No. 4 Phillipsburg (2-2, 1-2) travels to Blair Academy on Saturday.
Elsewhere on Thursday:
Voorhees 5, Somerville 0 -- Freshman forward Kathryn Roncoroni connected for her second goal of the season and sophomore goalie Lauren Pianucci recorded her first shutout as the No. 3 Vikings (2-0-1, 2-0-1) remained unbeaten. Voorhees is now 39-0-2 in the series dating to 1982 and has won the last six by shutout.
Pingry 3, Hunterdon Central 2 -- Junior midfielder Ally Baligian and sophomore forward Kendall Nickel scored for the No. 2 Red Devils (2-2, 2-2) in the loss. Nickel leads Central with four goals overall. Pingry overcame a 2-1 deficit and scored the game-winner midway through the second half.
Montgomery 2, Delaware Valley 0 -- Senior goalie Jackie Compta stopped 10 shots, but the No. 10 Terriers (1-2, 1-2) fell on the road against the 2011 North 2, Group 4 runner-up.
South Hunterdon 1, Belvidere 0 -- Forward Kaycee Zelkovsky scored the lone goal -- her team-leading fourth of the season -- to lift the upstart No. 7 Eagles (3-0, 2-0) in a Valley Division clash. Goalie Samantha Soscia stopped eight shots for the shutout. Senior goalie Amanda Fisher made five saves for the No. 8 County Seaters (1-3, 1-2).
Newton 4, North Warren 0 -- Senior forward Karlee Liddy recorded a hat trick and junior midfielder Katherine Kellenberger added three assists to pace the No. 9 Braves (3-0, 3-0) in an NJAC Freedom Division clash in Blairstown. First-year goalie Rebecca Hendershot stopped a penalty stroke for the Patriots (1-3, 0-3).
Wallkill Valley 1, Jefferson 0 -- Junior forward Casey Pustelniak scored the game-winner for the No. 6 Rangers (2-1, 2-0) as senior goalie Emily Stukenborg picked up her second shutout of the season and her 27th overall. The Falcons dropped to 1-2, 1-2.
Hackettstown 1, Lenape Valley 0 (OT2) -- Senior forward Stefania Swider ended the marathon affair with her second goal of the season as the Tigers (2-1, 2-1) won their second straight. Junior forward Nicole Andes had the assist on the game-winner, while senior goalie Jessie Huffman earned her first shutout. The Patriots fell to 0-3, 0-2.
The Blue Streaks (3-0 overall, 3-0 Raritan Division) have now won nine straight in the series with the Stateliners dating to 2008. P'burg's last win was 3-2 in Washington on Oct. 30, 2007. Warren Hills, which leads 27-11-1 overall since 1974, has also recorded shutouts in six of the last eight meetings.
Sophomore forward Jessica Nissen helped pave the way to victory with a pair of goals, while outstanding senior midfielder Niki Miller added a goal -- her third of the season to match Nissen for the team lead through three games.
It was the offensive breakout that Warren Hills -- which won its first two games over Montgomery and Delaware Valley by identical 2-1 scores -- had been looking for early on. The Streaks, ranked No. 1 in the Open Mike area, are pegged by many to make a run at a Group 3 state championship.
Goalie Katie Wintersteen recorded six saves for her first shutout this season and the 24th of her career as a three-year starter in the cage. Talented sophomores Sydney Muntone and Nikki Profita had assists on offense, while junior forward Shannon Zignoli scored her first varsity goal.
Warren Hills will next host Bernards, the 2011 Valley Division champion, on Saturday. No. 4 Phillipsburg (2-2, 1-2) travels to Blair Academy on Saturday.
Elsewhere on Thursday:
Voorhees 5, Somerville 0 -- Freshman forward Kathryn Roncoroni connected for her second goal of the season and sophomore goalie Lauren Pianucci recorded her first shutout as the No. 3 Vikings (2-0-1, 2-0-1) remained unbeaten. Voorhees is now 39-0-2 in the series dating to 1982 and has won the last six by shutout.
Pingry 3, Hunterdon Central 2 -- Junior midfielder Ally Baligian and sophomore forward Kendall Nickel scored for the No. 2 Red Devils (2-2, 2-2) in the loss. Nickel leads Central with four goals overall. Pingry overcame a 2-1 deficit and scored the game-winner midway through the second half.
Montgomery 2, Delaware Valley 0 -- Senior goalie Jackie Compta stopped 10 shots, but the No. 10 Terriers (1-2, 1-2) fell on the road against the 2011 North 2, Group 4 runner-up.
South Hunterdon 1, Belvidere 0 -- Forward Kaycee Zelkovsky scored the lone goal -- her team-leading fourth of the season -- to lift the upstart No. 7 Eagles (3-0, 2-0) in a Valley Division clash. Goalie Samantha Soscia stopped eight shots for the shutout. Senior goalie Amanda Fisher made five saves for the No. 8 County Seaters (1-3, 1-2).
Newton 4, North Warren 0 -- Senior forward Karlee Liddy recorded a hat trick and junior midfielder Katherine Kellenberger added three assists to pace the No. 9 Braves (3-0, 3-0) in an NJAC Freedom Division clash in Blairstown. First-year goalie Rebecca Hendershot stopped a penalty stroke for the Patriots (1-3, 0-3).
Wallkill Valley 1, Jefferson 0 -- Junior forward Casey Pustelniak scored the game-winner for the No. 6 Rangers (2-1, 2-0) as senior goalie Emily Stukenborg picked up her second shutout of the season and her 27th overall. The Falcons dropped to 1-2, 1-2.
Hackettstown 1, Lenape Valley 0 (OT2) -- Senior forward Stefania Swider ended the marathon affair with her second goal of the season as the Tigers (2-1, 2-1) won their second straight. Junior forward Nicole Andes had the assist on the game-winner, while senior goalie Jessie Huffman earned her first shutout. The Patriots fell to 0-3, 0-2.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wrestling: One down, several issues to go for NJSIAA
Well, it's official. Boardwalk Hall -- home to the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships since 1992 sans 1999 (new Convention Center), 2000 and 2001 (at Meadowlands) -- will host the event for at least the next three years starting in 2013.
The state and Atlantic City finalized a new three-year deal as announced on Wednesday. Also in the mix to host was the IZOD Center in East Rutherford. When the IZOD withdrew from consideration, the NJSIAA and executive director Steve Timko where left with one alternative. One choice.
Additionally, the dates for this year's tournament -- March 8-9-10 -- are two weeks after regions conclude on Saturday, Feb. 23. This is not unprecedented, but it's certainly not an ideal situation for quite a few in the wrestling community.
"We had no choice [between two venues]," said Timko when reached at his office in Robbinsville on Thursday afternoon. "It's not the week we were hoping for. It's tough being locked in."
One question has been answered, but there a ton of others left to be solved.
Timko said he is trying to meet with his wrestling committee -- including Coaches Association president Dan O'Cone -- in the next few weeks to go over multiple issues and concerns, such as moving dates for districts and regions back a week -- leaving a one week gap between the Groups and districts -- and the possibility of leaving the existing gap between regions and states.
If the committee decides to push districts and regions back one week to close that gap, will schools be allowed to compete during the off-week before districts and will match limits be raised to do so? As of now, schedules and match limits have been satisfied for the most part, leaving schools no margin to work with. Furthermore, how does this impact the spring sports season with later wrestling dates in March?
The new dates in AC also conflict with the EIWA Tournament scheduled to be held at Rutgers that same weekend. A move that isn't sitting well with college coaches, including Scarlet Knights head coach Scott Goodale. The former Jackson coach voiced his displeasure Wednesday via his Twitter account:
"NJ wrestlers don't grow up dreaming of AC they dream of winning a state championship. The venue doesn't matter#joke."
"There are multiple problems." Timko said. "I'm aware of them. The other issue is having kids hold weight for two weeks [between regions and states]. It seems like we'd be affecting less kids by keeping the dates as they are for this year. These are decisions I wasn't looking forward to making."
Timko dismissed the possibility of creating a Tournament of Champions to fill that week void should they decide to move districts and regions back one week. He said such a notion would only be possible this year since the dates revert back to the first weekend in March for 2014 and '15.
"It would not work for next year, so why make it a one-year thing?," he said. "I would have to renegotiate a new contract ... and I'm not about to do that."
It's not an ideal situation across the board. So, how did we get to this point? Timko said he submitted a proposal to both Boardwalk Hall and IZOD back on June 19. Yet, somehow, Lady Gaga was booked in AC for Saturday, March 2 -- what would have been the second day of the state tournament.
It's something that puzzles Timko -- who also said this was the first expired contract with Boardwalk Hall. In years past, new and old contracts overlapped so there was never a point where both sides had no agreement for the following year(s) in place.
"Boardwalk Hall has treated me very well," Timko said. "We sent out [proposals] nine months before the event and we put in dates for the next three years. IZOD got the dates right. Somehow, Lady Gaga won out over wrestling [at Boardwalk Hall]. It was probably a business decision."
However, Timko said he received a call from Boardwalk Hall in the interim asking if the NJSIAA would be willing to move the dates back a week. Timko stated at the time that they were not interested in changing dates.
Another interesting tidbit is that Timko was asked by the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference -- in a unanimous vote among 42 athletic directors -- to investigate finding a new venue following the expired agreement with AC in 2012.
So, not all are in favor of keeping the status quo in AC. Travel concerns across schools statewide are also a consideration for a move. The northern half makes annual trips to Toms River for the Group championships and Atlantic City for the State championships.
"[A lot of] people seem happy we're back in Atlantic City," Timko said. "We did investigate the possibility of finding another site. I will argue that there are 160-something exits [actually 130] on the Garden State Parkway and Toms River is No. 82 [Route 37 exit]. The IZOD favors North 1 and North 2. And it's probably not a bad idea since about 66 percent of the wrestlers [in the state tournament] come from Middlesex County and above."
Would IZOD have won out if it hadn't pulled its proposal at the last minute? Timko didn't offer a direct response.
"IZOD withdrew, and that makes it a moot point and a moot question," he offered.
So, now the real work begins.
"I really care about the sport and I've supported the sport," said Timko, who can often be seen attending the District 17 and Region 5 events. "Now I have a situation and I have to deal with it."
The state and Atlantic City finalized a new three-year deal as announced on Wednesday. Also in the mix to host was the IZOD Center in East Rutherford. When the IZOD withdrew from consideration, the NJSIAA and executive director Steve Timko where left with one alternative. One choice.
Additionally, the dates for this year's tournament -- March 8-9-10 -- are two weeks after regions conclude on Saturday, Feb. 23. This is not unprecedented, but it's certainly not an ideal situation for quite a few in the wrestling community.
"We had no choice [between two venues]," said Timko when reached at his office in Robbinsville on Thursday afternoon. "It's not the week we were hoping for. It's tough being locked in."
One question has been answered, but there a ton of others left to be solved.
Timko said he is trying to meet with his wrestling committee -- including Coaches Association president Dan O'Cone -- in the next few weeks to go over multiple issues and concerns, such as moving dates for districts and regions back a week -- leaving a one week gap between the Groups and districts -- and the possibility of leaving the existing gap between regions and states.
If the committee decides to push districts and regions back one week to close that gap, will schools be allowed to compete during the off-week before districts and will match limits be raised to do so? As of now, schedules and match limits have been satisfied for the most part, leaving schools no margin to work with. Furthermore, how does this impact the spring sports season with later wrestling dates in March?
The new dates in AC also conflict with the EIWA Tournament scheduled to be held at Rutgers that same weekend. A move that isn't sitting well with college coaches, including Scarlet Knights head coach Scott Goodale. The former Jackson coach voiced his displeasure Wednesday via his Twitter account:
"NJ wrestlers don't grow up dreaming of AC they dream of winning a state championship. The venue doesn't matter
"There are multiple problems." Timko said. "I'm aware of them. The other issue is having kids hold weight for two weeks [between regions and states]. It seems like we'd be affecting less kids by keeping the dates as they are for this year. These are decisions I wasn't looking forward to making."
Timko dismissed the possibility of creating a Tournament of Champions to fill that week void should they decide to move districts and regions back one week. He said such a notion would only be possible this year since the dates revert back to the first weekend in March for 2014 and '15.
"It would not work for next year, so why make it a one-year thing?," he said. "I would have to renegotiate a new contract ... and I'm not about to do that."
It's not an ideal situation across the board. So, how did we get to this point? Timko said he submitted a proposal to both Boardwalk Hall and IZOD back on June 19. Yet, somehow, Lady Gaga was booked in AC for Saturday, March 2 -- what would have been the second day of the state tournament.
It's something that puzzles Timko -- who also said this was the first expired contract with Boardwalk Hall. In years past, new and old contracts overlapped so there was never a point where both sides had no agreement for the following year(s) in place.
"Boardwalk Hall has treated me very well," Timko said. "We sent out [proposals] nine months before the event and we put in dates for the next three years. IZOD got the dates right. Somehow, Lady Gaga won out over wrestling [at Boardwalk Hall]. It was probably a business decision."
However, Timko said he received a call from Boardwalk Hall in the interim asking if the NJSIAA would be willing to move the dates back a week. Timko stated at the time that they were not interested in changing dates.
Another interesting tidbit is that Timko was asked by the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference -- in a unanimous vote among 42 athletic directors -- to investigate finding a new venue following the expired agreement with AC in 2012.
So, not all are in favor of keeping the status quo in AC. Travel concerns across schools statewide are also a consideration for a move. The northern half makes annual trips to Toms River for the Group championships and Atlantic City for the State championships.
"[A lot of] people seem happy we're back in Atlantic City," Timko said. "We did investigate the possibility of finding another site. I will argue that there are 160-something exits [actually 130] on the Garden State Parkway and Toms River is No. 82 [Route 37 exit]. The IZOD favors North 1 and North 2. And it's probably not a bad idea since about 66 percent of the wrestlers [in the state tournament] come from Middlesex County and above."
Would IZOD have won out if it hadn't pulled its proposal at the last minute? Timko didn't offer a direct response.
"IZOD withdrew, and that makes it a moot point and a moot question," he offered.
So, now the real work begins.
"I really care about the sport and I've supported the sport," said Timko, who can often be seen attending the District 17 and Region 5 events. "Now I have a situation and I have to deal with it."
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Field hockey: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings
Warren Hills, last year's No. 1 team, returns to the top spot in the first Open Mike team rankings of the season. Only teams from the three counties are eligible.
Records and stats reflect action from Sept. 6-10.
1. Warren Hills (1-0) -- Blue Streaks unquestionably are the deepest team in the area. Senior center midfielder Niki Miller and junior Nikki Schott are terrors in the middle behind a young but talented forward line. Goalie Katie Wintersteen has developed into one of the top keepers in the area. After a 2-1 win over Montgomery -- a North 2 Group 2 finalist last year -- a much-anticipated game with Group 1 power Shore Regional was rained out on Saturday. Coach Laurie Kerr entered the week two wins shy of 200.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Tuesday; at Phillipsburg on Thursday; Bernards at home on Saturday.
2. Hunterdon Central (1-1) -- Red Devils opened with a pair of tough games -- beating Ridge, 4-3, on Thursday before a 4-0 loss to perennial Group 4 power Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday. Coach Jenn Sponzo's team lost three meetings against the Panthers last season, including a 4-1 decision in the Group 4 semifinals. Keep an eye on the Barretts -- Nicole and Taylor. Nicole Barrett scored two goals in the win over Ridge.
Up next: North Hunterdon at home on Tuesday; Pingry at home on Thursday; at Westfield on Saturday.
3. Voorhees (1-0-1) -- Vikings stormed out of the gate with a 3-1 win over No. 4 Phillipsburg -- their 12th in a row over the Stateliners since 2007 (20-4-1 edge in the all-time series) and the program's 16th straight win on on Opening Day -- before a 1-1 draw with a tough Montgomery squad on Monday. Sophomore Hannah Ryan leads the Vikes with two goals. Two familiar names are in the cage, as Lauren Pianucci and Kathryn Boyce, have seem time early on. Lauren is the younger sister of Kimmie Pianucci, a star goalie for Voorhees the last three years and now playing at Columbia University. Kathryn is the third of the Boyce sisters -- Colleen is at Princeton and Kelsey is playing at Iowa.
Up next: Somerville at home on Thursday.
4. Phillipsburg (1-1) -- 'Liners lost a tough one to Voorhees before rebounding nicely with a 2-0 win over Belvidere on Saturday. Senior forward Katie Decker scored in the opener and Molly Zgoda got here first against the County Seaters. Those two will pace the offense this season. Goalie Brittany Lavin recorded five saves for her first shutout this season and the fourth career. Big showdown for P'burg on Thursday as it hosts No. 1 Warren Hills, which has won the last eight meetings dating to 2008 and leads 26-11-1 overall in the series. 'Liners also have lost the last seven meetings at home since 2005.
Up next: at Somerville on Tuesday; Warren Hills at home on Thursday; at Blair Academy on Saturday.
5. High Point (2-0-1) -- Wildcats enjoyed a strong showing in their opener -- a 7-1 thrashing of rival Vernon before a scoreless tie on Saturday against Pequannock and a 4-0 win over Mount Olive on Monday to go 2-0 in the NJAC American Division. Senior foward and UConn recruit Darby Smith scored five goals -- one shy of the school record -- to become the Wantage school's all-time goals and points leader in the win over Vernon. First-year goalie Erin Williams has posted back-to-back shutouts in the first three games.
Up next: at Morris Hills on Wednesday; Pope John at home on Friday.
6. Wallkill Valley (1-0) -- Ranger survived a scare in their opener with a 1-0 win over Kittatinny at home. Senior forward Andreanna Nordland scored the game-winner -- her 35th career goal. Senior Emily Stukenborg -- arguably the area's top goalie -- made five saves for her first shutout of the season (11 in 2011) and the 26th of her four-year career. She will give the Rangers a chance to win almost every time out. Coach Irene Chernati's team closes the week with two tough ones -- Jefferson and Newton.
Up next: Parsippany at home on Tuesday; at Jefferson on Thursday; at Newton on Saturday.
7. South Hunterdon (2-0) -- Eagles started strong with a thrilling 2-1 win in overtime against defending Skyland Conference Valley Division champion Bernards before a 4-1 pounding of Franklin on Monday. Forward Kaycee Zavorsky is off to a strong start with three goals and one assist in the first two games, while Sarah McCaffrey scored twice against Franklin.
Up next: at Belvidere on Thursday.
8. Belvidere (1-1) -- County Seaters opened with a 2-0 win over Mount St. Mary and followed up with a 2-0 loss to No. 4 Phillipsburg on Saturday. Senior forward Nicole DeHerde scored both goals against Mount St. Mary and senior goalie Amanda Fisher made three saves for her first shutout. Senior back Kristen Ostrzyzek has an assist in the opener. Big week on tap against two Skyland Conference Valley Division foes.
Up next: at Bernards on Tuesday; South Hunterdon at home on Thursday.
9. Newton (1-0) -- Braves escaped with a 1-0 win over NJAC Freedom Division rival Hackettsown in their opener. Senior forward Melanie Rudio converted the game-winner off a feed from junior forward Katherine Kellenberger. Senior goalie Audrey Kelly stopped five shots for her first career shutout. Grudge game against Wallkill Valley coming up on Saturday. Newton won the first two Freedom titles until Wallkill wrestled the crown away last season with two 1-0 wins in overtime against the Braves.
Up next: Lenape Valley at home on Tuesday; at North Warren on Thursday; Wallkill Valley at home on Saturday.
10. Delaware Valley (1-0) -- Terriers earned a 1-0 win over Somerville at home in their opener on Friday. Senior back Caitlyn Slusser scored the decisive goal off a feed from senior midfielder Olivia Brogan to give second-year coach Stephanie Carino her first win in a season opener. Tough week on tap against two of the better teams in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division.
Up next: Warren Hills at home on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Thursday.
Records and stats reflect action from Sept. 6-10.
1. Warren Hills (1-0) -- Blue Streaks unquestionably are the deepest team in the area. Senior center midfielder Niki Miller and junior Nikki Schott are terrors in the middle behind a young but talented forward line. Goalie Katie Wintersteen has developed into one of the top keepers in the area. After a 2-1 win over Montgomery -- a North 2 Group 2 finalist last year -- a much-anticipated game with Group 1 power Shore Regional was rained out on Saturday. Coach Laurie Kerr entered the week two wins shy of 200.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Tuesday; at Phillipsburg on Thursday; Bernards at home on Saturday.
2. Hunterdon Central (1-1) -- Red Devils opened with a pair of tough games -- beating Ridge, 4-3, on Thursday before a 4-0 loss to perennial Group 4 power Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday. Coach Jenn Sponzo's team lost three meetings against the Panthers last season, including a 4-1 decision in the Group 4 semifinals. Keep an eye on the Barretts -- Nicole and Taylor. Nicole Barrett scored two goals in the win over Ridge.
Up next: North Hunterdon at home on Tuesday; Pingry at home on Thursday; at Westfield on Saturday.
3. Voorhees (1-0-1) -- Vikings stormed out of the gate with a 3-1 win over No. 4 Phillipsburg -- their 12th in a row over the Stateliners since 2007 (20-4-1 edge in the all-time series) and the program's 16th straight win on on Opening Day -- before a 1-1 draw with a tough Montgomery squad on Monday. Sophomore Hannah Ryan leads the Vikes with two goals. Two familiar names are in the cage, as Lauren Pianucci and Kathryn Boyce, have seem time early on. Lauren is the younger sister of Kimmie Pianucci, a star goalie for Voorhees the last three years and now playing at Columbia University. Kathryn is the third of the Boyce sisters -- Colleen is at Princeton and Kelsey is playing at Iowa.
Up next: Somerville at home on Thursday.
4. Phillipsburg (1-1) -- 'Liners lost a tough one to Voorhees before rebounding nicely with a 2-0 win over Belvidere on Saturday. Senior forward Katie Decker scored in the opener and Molly Zgoda got here first against the County Seaters. Those two will pace the offense this season. Goalie Brittany Lavin recorded five saves for her first shutout this season and the fourth career. Big showdown for P'burg on Thursday as it hosts No. 1 Warren Hills, which has won the last eight meetings dating to 2008 and leads 26-11-1 overall in the series. 'Liners also have lost the last seven meetings at home since 2005.
Up next: at Somerville on Tuesday; Warren Hills at home on Thursday; at Blair Academy on Saturday.
5. High Point (2-0-1) -- Wildcats enjoyed a strong showing in their opener -- a 7-1 thrashing of rival Vernon before a scoreless tie on Saturday against Pequannock and a 4-0 win over Mount Olive on Monday to go 2-0 in the NJAC American Division. Senior foward and UConn recruit Darby Smith scored five goals -- one shy of the school record -- to become the Wantage school's all-time goals and points leader in the win over Vernon. First-year goalie Erin Williams has posted back-to-back shutouts in the first three games.
Up next: at Morris Hills on Wednesday; Pope John at home on Friday.
6. Wallkill Valley (1-0) -- Ranger survived a scare in their opener with a 1-0 win over Kittatinny at home. Senior forward Andreanna Nordland scored the game-winner -- her 35th career goal. Senior Emily Stukenborg -- arguably the area's top goalie -- made five saves for her first shutout of the season (11 in 2011) and the 26th of her four-year career. She will give the Rangers a chance to win almost every time out. Coach Irene Chernati's team closes the week with two tough ones -- Jefferson and Newton.
Up next: Parsippany at home on Tuesday; at Jefferson on Thursday; at Newton on Saturday.
7. South Hunterdon (2-0) -- Eagles started strong with a thrilling 2-1 win in overtime against defending Skyland Conference Valley Division champion Bernards before a 4-1 pounding of Franklin on Monday. Forward Kaycee Zavorsky is off to a strong start with three goals and one assist in the first two games, while Sarah McCaffrey scored twice against Franklin.
Up next: at Belvidere on Thursday.
8. Belvidere (1-1) -- County Seaters opened with a 2-0 win over Mount St. Mary and followed up with a 2-0 loss to No. 4 Phillipsburg on Saturday. Senior forward Nicole DeHerde scored both goals against Mount St. Mary and senior goalie Amanda Fisher made three saves for her first shutout. Senior back Kristen Ostrzyzek has an assist in the opener. Big week on tap against two Skyland Conference Valley Division foes.
Up next: at Bernards on Tuesday; South Hunterdon at home on Thursday.
9. Newton (1-0) -- Braves escaped with a 1-0 win over NJAC Freedom Division rival Hackettsown in their opener. Senior forward Melanie Rudio converted the game-winner off a feed from junior forward Katherine Kellenberger. Senior goalie Audrey Kelly stopped five shots for her first career shutout. Grudge game against Wallkill Valley coming up on Saturday. Newton won the first two Freedom titles until Wallkill wrestled the crown away last season with two 1-0 wins in overtime against the Braves.
Up next: Lenape Valley at home on Tuesday; at North Warren on Thursday; Wallkill Valley at home on Saturday.
10. Delaware Valley (1-0) -- Terriers earned a 1-0 win over Somerville at home in their opener on Friday. Senior back Caitlyn Slusser scored the decisive goal off a feed from senior midfielder Olivia Brogan to give second-year coach Stephanie Carino her first win in a season opener. Tough week on tap against two of the better teams in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division.
Up next: Warren Hills at home on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Thursday.
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