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Sports

Summit Field Hockey Beats Cranford 3-0

Victory Propels Hilltoppers into Second Round of NJSIAA Tournament

SUMMIT – Just last week, the Cranford Cougars and Summit Hilltoppers field hockey teams met at Summit High School, where the home team won in convincing fashion, 5-0. Today’s game, though similar to last week’s in many respects, had a little more on the line. It was the first round of the state tournament. 

Last week, Cranford defeated Union 1-0 in overtime to receive a berth in this year’s state tournament. Coming off a couple of tough losses since, the Cougars needed a victory today over a talented Hilltoppers squad to prove that they still belong in the state title race. 

Ranked 13th in the state, Summit entered today’s match with a 13-4 record. Their NJSIAA tournament berth was never really in question. On this day, however, the two teams’ previous encounters hardly mattered. It is the time of the season when the losing team goes home, and the winning team advances and keeps their hopes alive. 

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Summit controlled possession for a majority of the first half, but due to tough, gritty play by Cranford defenders Beth Ramey, Alexa Kravarik, and Maria Guarisco, as well as goalkeeper Sara Carolan, the Hilltoppers were unable to score. 

Summit continued to apply pressure, but Cranford’s tight marking and relentless defending resulted in a 0-0 halftime score. 

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During the break, you could hear Cranford coach Meghan Snyder tell her girls that they were doing a great job and to hang tough in the second half. 

When asked what she told her Hilltoppers at halftime, Summit head coach Jen Schwarzenbek said, “I told them to get it together.” 

And get it together, they did. Just five minutes into the second half, Summit midfielder Maggie Arms made a great run and pass to Beth Dotten, who then laid it off to Caroline Cordrey for a 1-0 Summit lead. Cordrey showed excellent dribbling skill and tenacity throughout the entire game. 

Just four minutes later, Summit earned one of many second half corners. Cordrey passed to Dotten, who sent it straight to Clare O’Malley. O’Malley hit a rocket shot into the back corner of the goal for a 2-0 Summit lead. 

Like rapid fire, O’Malley scored again three minutes later off another corner, assisted by Maggie Arms.

As Coach Schwarzenbek requested, Summit got it together, and kept it together, for the remainder of the game. Despite 10 saves by Cranford goalkeeper Sara Carolan, the final score was 3-0, Summit. 

The loss ends Cranford’s season, finishing with a 7-11 record. 

“We played great defense, especially in the first half, but you’ve got to play two halves,” said Cranford Coach Snyder. 

With a win today, Summit stays alive in the NJSIAA tournament and takes on second-ranked Chatham next Tuesday, November 3rd in the second round. Just two days ago, Summit beat Chatham 2-1. 

“They’ll come out strong, but we’re ready. It should be a great game,” said Coach Schwarzenbek.

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