Lady Pioneers shut down Elizabeth, 4-0

Playing a regular season game in the middle of the state sectional playoffs is usually a hindrance. But the New Providence girls soccer team had some added incentive Wednesday afternoon at Lieder Field.

The Pioneers, coming off Tuesday's North Jersey, Section 2 Group I first-round playoff win Roselle Park Tuesday, blanked Elizabeth 4-0 on senior day.

The Pioneers will play host to the winner of Friday's tournament game between Secaucus and Whippany Park next Tuesday afternoon in New Providence.

"Today was our senior day and it was special for the kids and easy for them to transition into game mode,'' said Pioneers' head coach Scott Murphy.

Before the game, parents came down to the field and the players rewarded their mom's with a bouquet. Seniors Gina Caprara, Ali Boyle, Megan Melkewits, Courtney Martin and Corey Siberbine were honored.

The Pioneers then went out and took control of the game, scoring three goals in the
first 15 minutes.

Junior Emma Culleton scored seven minutes into the game followed seven minutes later by a Caprara goal. Caprara scored her second goal about a minute later as the Pioneers carried a 3-0 lead into the intermission.

Junior Olivia Arent scored the fourth goal. Boyle and Melkewits had assists and junior keeper Jill Ashinsky made five saves. New Providence registered 18 shots.

"We really didn't want a week go by without playing a game, so we used the game as a tuneup,'' said Murphy. ""I thought we played well.''

Now the Pioneers prepare for either Whippany Park or Secaucus. New Providence has won the last two sectional titles, getting eliminated in the state semifinals.

"We're hoping to take it a little farther this year,'' Murphy said.