The Montclair State University field hockey team is riding high, finishing with a 13-5 record, and earned the #3 seed in the New Jersey Athletic (NJAC) Tournament.
Head coach Eileen O’Reilly said the team is ready for a deep run in the postseason.
“We had a really tough schedule,” said O’Reilly. “We knew how much of a grind it could be. But I think the team has shown really good resilience.”
Montclair State is set to play The College of New Jersey in the semifinal round.
Photo Courtesy of Matt DeLuca
O’Reilly, who has been coaching the field hockey program since 2015, said that, unlike the previous years she’s coached, this group is special.
“When we clinched the playoff berth, it made me realize how special this group is great to work with,” said O’Reilly. “The seniors have done an amazing job leading, and there are days that I don’t have to say too much in practice because of the leadership they bring, how they encourage their teammates and how they coach each other. It’s been an awesome season and definitely one of the more memorable ones I’ve had here.”
Their 13-5 record is impressive on its own, but what makes it notable is the fact that the program recruited nine freshmen to the team who had immediately made an impact. O’Reilly said that the recruiting process is nonstop.
“You put a lot of energy into recruiting the girls, and when they get here, it’s sometimes interesting,” said O’Reilly. “But with the freshman, we had coming in here, they exceeded expectations, and they thrived off each other. They’re a hardworking group.”
Senior forward Alexa Antonelli said that a lot had been riding on the seniors leading this young group of players who brought a new dynamic to the program.
“Going into this season, we knew we had to rebuild our culture,” said Antonelli. “The four seniors really bought into that idea and are continuing to bring a positive mindset every single day. Even when we were getting up at six o’clock in the morning, coming to practice when it was freezing cold or pouring rain. We wanted to be here, and that rubbed off when the new group of freshman came in. The freshman were also locked in, and having a group that special that can match our energy is so exciting.”
The team’s chemistry has been one of their greatest assets this season. Within this season, “Ride the Wave” is the team’s motto. To the team, it’s more than just a catchphrase. Their success has been fueled by this mentality, and seniors Alex Antonelli, Tori Sutera, Kylie Compton and Gab Maisto. Have helped guide the younger athletes, ensuring that the culture of “Ride the Wave” remains strong.
Antonelli said that the team has embraced O’Reilly’s mantra throughout the year.
“One thing we’ve been saying to each other when things get hard is ‘Ride the Wave,'” said Antonelli. “Just continuing to roll what’s going on, we all draw waves on each other, and when you see your teammate hanging her head or you see she’s not in the right headspace, you tell her to ‘Ride the Wave.'”
The Red Hawks believe that they are a different team now, a side that has grown and matured throughout the season.
The Red Hawks secured the #3 seed in the 2024 NJAC Tournament.
Photo Courtesy of Matt DeLuca
“Ride the Wave” has been their rallying cry, and now they will look to use that momentum to seek revenge on The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), who last time the two teams played. The Lions won 1-0.
However, O’Reilly said that Montclair State is more than ready this time to prove that they have what it takes to compete in the postseason.
“We know how close we were,” O’Reilly said. “We can do it tomorrow, and we are going to do it.”
The Red Hawks take on the Lions on Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the semifinals of the 2024 NJAC Tournament.
