Bishop Eustace reaches T of C semifinal in field hockey

The Bishop Eustace field hockey team continued to roll Monday night with a 1-0 victory over Haddonfield, moving on to the semifinals of the Tournament of Champions.

The Crusaders will play West Essex in the semifinal round at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at West Windsor Plainsboro North.

Eustace defeated a tough Oak Knoll team, 1-0, in overtime on Saturday for the state championship and a spot in the Tournament of Champions. It was an emotional state championship win for the Eustace squad, and having to prepare for a game two days later against a tough Haddonfield team was not easy.

"I know they were tired," coach Danielle Senior said. "I know it is hard to take one day rest, especially when you are enjoying yourself that one day and trying to celebrate. All of this is bonus right now."

Eustace did not waste any time getting pressure on Haddonfield, taking the lead four minutes into the game on a goal by senior Erin Quinn. The goal came after a corner as Eustace kept possession after an initial deflection. Senior Amanda Manuola found Quinn on the left side of the stroke line and Quinn put the ball in the back of the cage.

"I have been telling them the main thing is to start quickly, to try and get that one goal first," Senior said. "I feel like you just play a different type of game."

"It helped us shake out the nerves so we could play our game," Quinn said. "From there we could relax and take control of the game."

Eustace's young back line and senior goalie Brenna Miller played another strong game to keep Haddonfield off the scoreboard.

"I think they have grown tremendously over the year," Senior said. "To come back, day in and day out, and constantly execute very well is tremendous. It says a lot for our program and our youth."

Bishop Eustace 1 0 - 1

Haddonfield 0 0 - 0

Goals - BE: Erin Quinn-1. Assists: BE: Amanda Manuola- 1

Saves - BE- Brenna Miller 10. H: Megan Maynes- 13