CRANFORD – The Union County College Women’s Soccer Team will compete in the 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women’s Soccer National Championship Tournament from November 8-11, in Rockford, IL. This past weekend, the Lady Owls were named the Region XIX Champions when they defeated Rowan College of Gloucester County by a score of 3-0, which qualified them for national competition. This is the first-time that the women’s soccer team has won a Region XIX Championship, and it will be their inaugural appearance in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament.
The Lady Owls scored their first two goals in the first half of the game. Sophia Melendez, of Union, with an assist from Steffany Marroquin, of Plainfield, scored the first goal of the game. Five minutes later, the second goal was scored by Monica Flores, of Elizabeth, from a pass from Maya Lawler, of Cranford.
In the second half, Barbara Ferreira, of Union, scored the final goal of the game. Union’s goalkeeper, Lauren Buchanan, of Union, had a busy game, having turned away 11 goal shots to help contribute to the win. Monica Flores was named the Offensive MVP of the Region XIX tournament, and her fellow teammate, Maya Lawler was named the Defensive MVP of the tournament.
Union’s overall record is 14-1-1. On Oct. 31, the Lady Owls will be notified of who their first-round opponent will be in the NJCAA Women’s Soccer National Tournament. On Nov. 8, they will travel to Illinois to compete in the first round of the NJCAA Women’s Soccer National Tournament. This is Coach Correia’s second year as Head Coach and she is extremely proud of the way the ladies have come together to work as a team both on and off the field.
For more information on the Union County College Soccer’s Basketball team, visit www.unionowls.com. For more information on the NJCAA National Tournament, visit www.njcaa.org.