The RCGC women's soccer team will open its 2017 season Sunday at Montgomery-Rockville Community College, and the Roadrunners will seek to continue a tradition of pride and proven history.
Veteran Coach Megan Ruttler, beginning her eighth season, has clearly established her mark on the proud RCGC program, one that has qualified for four national championship tournament appearances while producing a number of All-Region XIX and All-American honorees.
Last Fall proved to be a typical season for the Roadrunners, who captured their fourth Region XIX Division III title under coach Ruttler while completing the season with a 12-8 overall record. Ruttler was selected as Women's JUCO South Region Coach of the Year for Division III programs by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Despite key losses from last Fall, including NSCAA and NJCAA Second Team All-American defender Casey Lubonski, the Roadrunners appear ready to keep their winning tradition alive. As always, Ruttler picked up several talented newcomers, including transfers and incoming freshmen, to help keep the program on its winning path.
"There has been some turnover, but we're prepared and excited to start the new season," said Ruttler. "We have a nice tradition here, and the players have adapted well to our culture."
Among several promising newcomers are sophomore back Shanna Bryson, a former Eastern Regional standout who played at Stockton University last Fall, and sophomore forward Ashley Engler, a former Williamstown High star and Kutztown University player. Both are transfers and are expected to contribute.
"Shanna (Bryson) and Ashley (Engler) are well trained with great skill sets," said Ruttler. "Shanna plays well on both sides of the ball and Ashely is a goal scorer. Both have fit right in and we're happy to have them both on our roster."
The goaltending will be strong once again this Fall. Sophomore Jenni DeVault (Kingsway) played well last season and will receive help from freshman Rebekah Mitchell (Woodstown). DeVault posted seven shutouts with a 1.46 goals against average in 2016.
"Both Jenni (DeVault) and Rebekah (Mitchell) are excellent players and we're happy to have some depth at this position," Ruttler said. "Our goalkeeping should be strong this year."
On the defensive side, freshman McKenna Dowd (Williamstown) will see action as will sophomores Natalie Guarracino (Paul VI), Jessica Starke (Riverside) and Kirsten Vance (Kingsway). Madison Dorney (Washington Twp.), who played very well toward the end of last season, looks to see action at midfield. Also contributing to the midfield this year will be freshman Megan Lord (Glassboro).
Offensively, Ruttler will rely on sophomore forward Victoria Flynn (Clearview), who netted five goals last Fall, to complement newcomer Engler.
Also on the roster are Briana Fiorenza (Williamstown), Madelyn Buchanan (Williamstown), Andie DelCiotto (Washington Township), and Eilee Sierra (Woodstown).
The Roadrunners open their season Sunday with a 12 noon road game at Montgomery – Rockville Community College (Maryland), No. 4 in the NJCAA Preseason D III national rankings. The Roadrunners are listed among the top 15 teams in the nation.
The home opener will take place against Mercer County College on August 31 at 4:30 pm.
"Our opener against Montgomery is always a tough game for us, but we like scheduling the best teams," said Ruttler. "We'll see quickly where we stand and where we need to make improvements."
Assisting Ruttler on the coaching sidelines this season will be veteran Julie Chini and newcomer Liz Faulkner.
Ruttler feels her Roadrunners will again be in the thick of the chase with Brookdale CC, Ocean CC and Union County College for Region XIX honors
"We will be ready and we should be competitive with teams in our region," she commented. "We have a great coaching staff that will prepare the players well. As long as we continue to work hard and avoid injuries, I expect us to compete well."