The Red Hawks struggled to beat Rowan University in the double-overtime draw.
Photo courtesy of MSU Sports.
After helping the Red Hawks to two shutouts this week, freshman goalkeeper Erinne Finlayson earned the title of New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week. Finlayson posted two clean sheets as Montclair State beat St. Joseph’s Long Island 6-0 and played Rowan University to a scoreless draw.
Junior forward Jennie Hornstra helped the team get off to a quick start against St. Joseph’s when she headed in the game’s first goal at the 11:41 mark. Hornstra, just under six minutes later, scored her second goal of the game on a shot directed to the top of the net. The Red Hawks then expanded on their lead. Shawna Grabowski scored at the 22:31 mark to give the team a 3-0 lead.
Montclair State maintained control during the second half and outshot the Eagles 12-1 in that period. Janae Geonnetti, Brooke Beatty and Kendel Bernardini each contributed a goal in the final 20 minutes of play to help the Red Hawks to a 6-0 lead. Finlayson stopped all six shots sent her way and earned her fifth shutout of the year.
The Red Hawks faced Rowan University on Oct. 10 and needed two overtimes to settle the contest with their NJAC opponent. The women were able to record three shots in the first three minutes of the game, but they traded possession with Rowan for most of the first half.
Rowan had their best scoring opportunity 15 minutes into the first half, but sophomore midfielder Heather Sootkoos shut it down and blocked a shot immediately after.
The second half was similar to the previous, as the team traded scoring opportunities and possession with Rowan.
The Red Hawks’ defense held steady and prevented a possible breakaway at the 24:30 mark of the second half.
Regulation time ended with both teams recording six shots, but neither team could convert those into goals.
Finlayson stopped two shots in the two overtime periods and ultimately helped the Red Hawks to a 0-0 draw.
Finlayson recorded her sixth shutout and has yet to give up a goal this season.
The Red Hawks are now 2-1-2 in conference play and are ranked fourth in the conference. They have five games remaining on their schedule, with four of those being against conference opponents. The team will have to come up with crucial victories down the stretch to ensure a high seed in the conference tournament.
