There were no surprises as far as Roadrunner Women's Soccer Coach Tom Eichhorn was concerned His RCSJ squad emerged with a tense, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bergen Community College Saturday in the NJCAA Region 19 District A championship at Ocean County College -- even though the Runners had defeated this very same Bulldog team by 8 goals just two week earlier.

In a classic defensive struggle, Runners' sophomore Emily Belsanti kicked in the game's lone score with 8:16 remaining in the first half for a 1-0 lead. That narrow margin held up despite the Runners' holding a 12-3 shots on goal advantage and putting consistent pressure on Bergen goalkeeper Ashley Uriquia, who made 11 solid saves on the windy afternoon.

But, with an assist from teammate Allie Blankenship, Belsanti found a small opening and poked the ball past Uriquia for the score.

"We expected 100 percent for Bergen to come out and battle us all the way," said Eichhorn. "That's exactly what we got. This was a well-played and hard-fought match -- and we're proud of the players' efforts in an environment like this.

"You have to expect in a playoff game that no one will hand you the match on a silver platter. We had plenty of opportunities today but it was an uphill battle all the way."

Belsanti, a former Washington Township High School player, made the most of her opportunity when it presented itself. After receiving a pass from Blankenship, she directed a shot at the Bergen goal cage that was deflected off of Uriquia's outstretched arms.

"She was tough all day and made a lot of great saves," said Belsanti said of Uriquia. "I was glad this one finally made it through."

RCSJ goalkeeper Mackenzie Cignatta was not tested much but managed three key saves for the shutout.

The Region title was the second straight for the Runners. both of which came at the Ocean County College neutral site.

"They will compete in the NJCAA Division III Championship Tournament, and will likely enter play as the No. 3 overall seed behind two-time defending champion Delta College and Dallas College Brookhaven. The tournament will be held from Nov. 11 through Nov. 16 at Herkimer College in New York.

See photo highlights from Region 19 Win over Bergen CC

https://rcsjphotos.smugmug.com/GCC-SPORTS/Soccer-Women/Region-19-vs-Bergen-11125/n-DVrmS6