Profs head to Sweet Sixteen for first time in school history

The Rowan women’s soccer team spent their weekend in Rochester, N.Y., playing in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament.

The Profs took on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Saturday and won 3-0. They then played host-school University of Rochester on Sunday and won 1-0, advancing to the sweet sixteen for the first time in school history.

The big question for the Prof’s was whether or not senior goalkeeper Sarah Volkomer would be able to play in the tournament due to a concussion she suffered weeks ago. Due to recurring symptoms of the concussion, Volkomer found focusing in games, and even class, a difficult task.

“My head feels fine,” Volkomer said. “It feels great (to be back playing). It definitely helps pick up my confidence and I’m happy to be back.”

Volkomer was in net for Saturday’s game, shutting out MIT (12-6-2) and stopping four shots. Sophomore Veronica Rhea got the first goal, scoring on a penalty kick. Sophomore Nina Fragoso also scored in the first half and junior Jessica Babice added a third goal in the second half to seal the game for Rowan.

“Our defense played probably one of their best games all year,” Volkomer said. “It was a great team effort. Without our defense, the score may have been different.”

Rowan (17-2-1) then faced Rochester (21-4-3) the next day. Babice scored the lone goal in the 77th minute to lead Rowan to victory. Volkomer made two saves to record her second-straight shutout and fifth on the season.

“We worked so hard this weekend,” Rhea said. “We really wanted to win. All the girls played with 100% heart and we got the job done.”

Rowan will travel to Massachusetts on Saturday to go up against Ithaca College (15-4-2). Also in their bracket is host team Williams College (19-0) and New Jersey Athletic Conference rival The College of New Jersey (18-2-1).

“Ithaca is just another game for us,” Rhea said. “We have to out-work them and have more heart. I know we can win.”