Box Score

WAYNE, NJ – The William Paterson University women’s soccer team advanced on penalty kicks against Rowan University in the semifinals of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship Tournament on Wednesday night.

The game ended in a scoreless tie after two 10 minute overtimes. The Pioneers made four penalty kicks in the shootout and the Profs had two. The second seed William Paterson (11-3-5) travels to number one The College of New Jersey (15-2-1) on Saturday, November 6 for the conference final at 6 p.m. In the semifinals, TCNJ defeated the fourth seed Richard Stockton College, 2-1. The NJAC champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

The third seeded Profs have a 15-2-2 record. In the first round of the NJAC tournament, Rowan defeated the sixth seed Kean University, 2-0 (Oct. 30). The Profs will have to wait until Monday, November 8 to see if they receive an at-large bid to the national tournament.

Rowan missed its first penalty kick while forward Michelle Marabondo (so. Kenvil, NJ/Roxbury) made the first attempt for William Paterson. The Profs failed on their second try and the Pioneers were ahead 2-0 after back Vikki Cicak (sr. Wharton, NJ/Morris Knolls) made a penalty kick.

Midfielder Marina Mangano (so. Cape May Court House, NJ/Middle Twp.) cut the deficit to one (2-1) in the third round. Forward Megan Droelle (jr. Hampton, NJ/North Hunderdon) put William Paterson up 3-1. On the fourth attempt, back Miranda Donnian (fr. Sewell, NJ/Clearview Reg.) hit the net for Rowan while midfielder Heidi Rogers (jr. River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley) ended the shootout for William Paterson. The fifth and final round of the shootout was not necessary.

William Paterson finished the game with 13 shots and Rowan totaled seven. For the Profs, goalie Deana Wood (fr. Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Reg.) made six saves. Goalkeeper Alyssa Falduto (fr. Nutley, NJ/Nutley) played in the Pioneer’s net.