Sussex Wins Region

The Sussex County Community College women's soccer team defeated Essex County College 2-0 in the NJCAA Region XIX Women's DI Final to claim their second region title.  Sussex started off strong, dictating the tempo of play and keeping the Wolverines quiet for the first half.  Giovanna Castro opened the scoring after being sent through by Carina Gasparini to score her 26th goal of the season, which leveled her with Gabby Sarni for the school record for goals in a season.  Shortly after, Gasparini doubled the lead after latching onto a cross from Jessenia Velez and weaving through two defenders to put the ball in the back of the net from close range.  Sussex would have more opportunities that they could not convert in the first half as Mackenzie Utter flashed a shot just wide of the goal from outside the box with the 'keeper beaten, and Jesse Velez missing the mark on two other occasions.

After the  break, Sussex sat deeper into a mid-press and countered with attacks down the flanks.  Gasparini and Castro had chances apiece, but couldn't convert to put the game out of sight. The Sussex back line, consisting of Lindsey Kopf, Olivia Hudson, Milla Jowett, and Chloe Bellerby dealt with every Essex attack and calmly held firm to limit minimal chances to the Wolverines.  Sussex out shot Essex 20-7 and Sussex goalkeeper Katie Bertoa recorded 5 saves. Carina Gasparini was named offensive MVP of the game and Milla Jowett was named as the defensive MVP.

Next up for Sussex is the NJCAA DI Notheast District Tournament in Maryland hosted by CCBC Essex on November 8.