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Pompton Lakes came out like it really meant business in its field hockey sectional final tilt with Montclair Kimberley. Just 15 seconds after the start, they earned a corner. Moments later, the ball was in the cage and the Cardinals were on their way to their first sectional title in nine years.
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Pompton Lakes earned the North Jersey, Section 1, Group I championship with a 2-0 victory. The Cards were in control for most of the sports contest, but it wasn't all quite as easy as that first minute.
After Danielle Allan's goal, the Cardinals still had the better of play, and created several more good scoring chances in the first half. But MKA goalie Devon Barrett and her defense kept the ball out of the cage. The Cougars also had a couple of opportunities but trailed 1-0 at the break.
Montclair Kimberley had its best opportunity early in the second half off a corner. The ball set perilously in front of the Cardinals' goal before the defense could clear it away. After that scare, Pompton Lakes began to take control of the field hockey game again, creating multiple opportunities but again failing to finish.
In the final minutes, the Cardinals kept the ball pinned at the MKA end of the field, and finally broke through in the final two minutes. Kate Ettinger's free hit found Jen Homcy in front of the goal, and the senior scored her first-ever goal to lock up the victory. "I was in the right place at the right time," Homcy said. "It feels awesome especially in such an important game."
Pompton Lakes adds its first sectional title since 1999 to the league and county titles it already earned this season. "It's my senior year so this is perfect," said Emily Stratton. "We won the Triple Crown."
Coach Eileen Allan says she was optimistic considering how things have been going for her team this sports season. "I just had a good feeling that we were going to be able to do it today," she said.
Now 18-1-1, the Cardinals will face a far greater challenge in their next game. Their opponent in the New Jersey Group I state semifinals will be Oak Knoll, ranked #1 in the state and the same team that knocked them out of the field hockey state playoffs last year. That contest will take place Thursday afternoon at West Essex High School. --Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now
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