Men’s Soccer Ranked 5th in DIII, Plays in NCAA ‘Sweet 16’
The No. 5-ranked Montclair men’s soccer team battled No. 7 Connecticut College to a 2-2 draw but were knocked off 4-3 in penalty kicks in the NCAA Sectional Semifinals “Sweet 16” matchup in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on November 18. The Red Hawks finished their season with a 19-2-2 record and undefeated in a perfect 9-0-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
“It was a great run that I felt ended too soon,” said Head Coach Todd Tumelty. “[Penalty kicks] are a tough way
to go out. I’m really proud of our guys. This is a special group. They deserve better, but we will learn from it and keep moving forward.”
To make it to the tournament, the Red Hawks first claimed the 15th New Jersey Athletic Conference
Championship in program history, beating Rowan University 4-2. To top off the season, the coaching staff was named Staff of the Year by the NCAA for Division III men’s soccer.
Women’s Soccer Makes 9th Appearance in NCAA Tournament
For the second consecutive year, the Montclair women’s soccer team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Tournament and traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, for the first round.
“For the program to be selected for consecutive NCAA Tournaments is a testament to the quality of players that we have in the program,” says Head Coach Pat Naughter. In the tournament, the No. 20 Red Hawks lost to host No. 23 Virginia Wesleyan University in the first round.
It was the Red Hawks’ ninth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Montclair was 13-3-2 on the year and advanced to the semifinals of the New Jersey Athletic Conference before earning the at-large bid.
Field Hockey Player Named to National Senior Team
Senior field hockey forward/midfielder Carlie Van Tassel was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III Senior Team this past fall. A four-time First Team All-NJAC selection, Van Tassel led Montclair with eight goals and 18 points.
In her four years at Montclair, Van Tassel scored 31 goals while adding five assists for 67 points. Thirteen of her goals were game-winning tallies and the senior was 2 for 2 on penalty strokes. The NJAC Rookie of the Year in spring 2021, the Vernon, New Jersey, native earned Second Team All-Region laurels in fall 2021 and First Team accolades last year.
Red Hawk Open Tees off for Success
With the backdrop of a beautiful autumn day, 116 golfers teed off and raised more than $110,000 for Montclair State University student athletes and programs at the 11th annual Red Hawk Open at the Crestmont Country Club in West Orange.
Proceeds will continue to enhance the student-run and produced Red Hawk Sports Network, as well as provide upgrades to the Panzer Athletic Center locker room and the Panzer Fitness Center. Additionally, the support will help provide student coaching opportunities within Montclair State University Athletics. “We appreciate the great support that we receive from our alumni, friends and campus partners,” says Rob Chesney, director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “The money raised continues to support all of our programs, enhancing the student-athlete experience.”