Fall 2024 was another action-packed semester for Montclair State University athletics. Here’s a look back at the season’s greatest moments:
Victory on Homecoming: Football captured its 500th win in program history after a rain-soaked homecoming clash against Union College. The Red Hawks upset the Garnet Chargers 17-15 thanks to a strong defensive effort and a punishing rushing attack. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics.
Field Hockey Milestone: Head field hockey coach Eileen O'Reilly earned her 100th career win. The Red Hawks defeated Vassar College 2-0 under the lights of Sprague Field. Montclair State proceeded to post their best record since 2018 and capped it off with their first playoff appearance since 2022. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics.
Freshman Phenom: Freshman goalkeeper Salange Bell was named New Jersey Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year after a breakout rookie campaign. She posted a 0.68 goals against average, an .844 save percentage and 65 saves on the year. She recorded eight wins in goal, all of them were shutouts. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
Chesney and Mendez Collect Major Awards: Senior defender Ian Chesney and fifth-year midfielder Osbin Mendez capped their careers with individual silverware. Chesney earned his second NJAC Defender of the Year Award after leading Montclair State's sturdy backline, which was the best in the conference statistically. Mendez was named NJAC Midfielder of the Year after stepping up in a major way offensively for the Red Hawks. He led the conference in assists and found the back of the net five times. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics.
Chesney and Mendez Collect Major Awards: Senior defender Ian Chesney and fifth-year midfielder Osbin Mendez capped their careers with individual silverware. Chesney earned his second NJAC Defender of the Year Award after leading Montclair State's sturdy backline, which was the best in the conference statistically. Mendez was named NJAC Midfielder of the Year after stepping up in a major way offensively for the Red Hawks. He led the conference in assists and found the back of the net five times. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics.
Peralta Smashes Records: Junior Rourke Peralta is having a career season for the Red Hawks. On she broke the Panzer Athletic Center pool record for the 50m freestyle, clocking in a blistering fast time of 23.97. The Flemington, N.J. native put her name in the record book again on December 8th, setting the school record in the 100m freestyle with a time of 51.54. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
Charley Takes the World by Storm: Women's basketball's "Director of Pawsitivity" Charley Cunningham Jones became a social media sensation after being featured on the ESPN SportsCenter and CBS Sports Instagram pages. The two-year old golden retriever has since been profiled by ABC 7, People Magazine, and more. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
