In a meeting of two of New Jersey's best field hockey teams, one play made the different. Both squads had a number of good chances, but Ali McCarthy scored the only goal for Oak Knoll as the #3 Royals edged #4 West Essex, 1-0.

McCarthy scored off an assist from Elizabeth Denehy with less than 12 minutes to go in the second half. The goal resulted from a corner, won by the Royals just a few minutes after the game resumed following a 30-minute lightning delay.

West Essex had numerous corner opportunities throughout the game, but couldn't find a way to put the ball in the cage. Oak Knoll goalie Jordan McGinley made nine saves, and defender Bella Brosie made two key plays to clear the ball off her line.

Paige Innarella had seven saves for West Essex. The Knights fall to 9-1.

Oak Knoll is now 8-1; the Royals' only loss came to the top-ranked team in New Jersey and the nation, Eastern Regional.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey high school field hockey game, click play in the box at left.