Baker dominant as No.10 Women’s Soccer sails past Ramapo 5-0.

Montclair, NJ

Following a 0-0 draw vs Stockton on Wednesday, it was important that the Red Hawks returned to their scoring nature in this highly favorable matchup, with sophomore defender Julie Baker serving as the primary source for Montclair State’s excellence in the final third with her first hat-trick of the season.

It only took 6 minutes for MSU to break the deadlock, following a cross into the box from Baker,  which then deflected of a Ramapo defender into the back of the net for Montclair’s first goal of the game. This would be the only goal of the half for MSU. However, they felt no shortage of possession throughout the first 45 minutes. Making it very difficult on Ramapo’s backline to sustain pressure. There were some positives for the Roadrunners’ defense as well. They had worked hard to ensure no further goals were conceded during the first period. Doing all they could to suppress the Red Hawks scoring prowess by blocking shots and making clearances. Senior goalkeeper Makenna Tahbaz saw 15 shots from Red Hawk players in the first half and recorded 8 saves.

An impressive individual performance considering how composed Montclair State’s offense has been this season. Ultimately, their efforts were not enough. The precise, unselfish passing. Along with direct, aggressive dribbling on the flanks shown by Head Coach Pat Naughter’s team proved to be too much for Ramapo to contain. More of the same took place took place during the second period as Baker netted home her second of the day, doubling the Red Hawks lead in the 49th minute. It didn’t end there for the sophomore as she put away another just 5 minutes later after a great delivery pass from sophomore forward Kylie Prendergast that was met with a beautiful left-footed finish to make it 3-0. The performances off the bench Saturday will certainly prove to be an even further morale booster for the team as a Gianna Curci goal in the 81st minute, followed by a penalty converted by Olivia Kedziora in the 87th was enough to seal the victory for Montclair. Head Coach Pat Naughter told montclairathletics.com, ” I’m really happy that we were able to get back on the winning track especially because it’s homecoming and  senior day.

It was great that our seniors were able to perform so well. I think each of them had a very good day. Very excited that Tara Lambert was able to get back on the field and Olivia Kedziora, and great way to cap it with Kedz (Olivia Kedziora) scoring. So three points in the NJAC is always the goal, and we got it and we’re happy to move on from it.” Now sitting at 8-1-1, The Red Hawks will head to Glenville, PA for a matchup against Arcadia this upcoming Wednesday. While the history of this contest does not favor Montclair. They’ll certainly believe they possess all the tools to prevail, and maintain top spot in the NJAC.