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November 23, 2002 |
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NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! |
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The
Rowan University field hockey team defeated Messiah College, 1-0 in the
championship final of the NCAA Division III Tournament, clinching the
school's first field hockey and women's team national
championship. Following a scoreless first half, Prof midfielder Michelle Thornton (Delran, NJ/Holy Cross) recorded the game-winning goal at 34:06 of the second stanza on a penalty corner. Back Jackie Massara (Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) set up the championship-clinching corner while midfielder Jess Wadleigh (Chester, NJ/West Morris Mendham) assisted on the game-winner. The one goal is all Rowan would need as goalkeeper Christine Buteas (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) recorded four saves for her 10th shutout of the season. Thornton was named to the All-Tournament team along with backs Renée Phelps (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) and Lindsay Hanson (Collingswood, NJ/Collingswood). NJAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year Becky Peterson (Hancocks Bridge, NJ/Salem) also was an All-Tournament selection. The Profs finished their perfect season with an undefeated 21-0 overall record. Rowan's 21 wins shattered the school record of 18 previously set in 1998. Rowan University's last national championship was achieved in 1996 by their men’s basketball team. The Profs have recorded 11 NCAA championships overall (baseball - 1979, 1978; men’s basketball - 1996; men’s soccer - 1990, 1981; men’s outdoor track and field - 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980). The 2002 National Field Hockey Championship by Rowan marks the 41st National Title in the history of the New Jersey Athletic Conference dating back to its inception in 1982. |