ROADRUNNERS FALL JUST SHORT IN NJAC MATCH-UP

MAHWAH, N.J. (10/4/08) - Freshmen Lauren Kusik (Randolph, N.J.) and Olivia Triano (Keyport, N.J.) each scored a goal to lift the Kean University field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Ramapo College in New Jersey Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon. 

Kusik (pictured right) capitalized on a penalty stroke early in the second half to give the Cougars (8-2, 2-0 NJAC) a 1-0 lead over the Roadrunners (3-6, 0-1 NJAC) at 38:36.

Ramapo tied the game when rookie forward Jayne Manigrasso (Atlantic Highlands, N.J.) score off a penalty corner from fellow rookie Aimee Herbert (Oceanport, N.J.) tying the game at 1-1 at 54:50.

Triano netter the game-winner less than five minutes later when she connected on a pass from junior Brittany Gibbs at 59:42. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Ashlie Berghold (Boyertown, Pa.) made three saves for Kean and Ramapo's Megan Tierney (Wayne, N.J.) blocked nine Cougar shots, as both played the full 70 minutes.

The game also featured the first time Ramapo head coach Concetta Valerio squared off against her alma mater.  Valerio was a four-year starter at goalkeeper under Kean head coach Dipi Bhaya from 2002 through 2005. 

The Cougars face off with Cedar Crest College on Monday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Kean Alumni Stadium.