Region XIX Champion OCC Women's Soccer Finishes 2022 Season on NJCAA Championship Stage

Toms River, NJ - The #4-seeded OCC Vikings Women's Soccer team completed their 2022 season at the NJCAA D-III Championship tournament, falling to #4 seed Genesee Community College in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday (11/9). It was a battle in which the Vikings controlled possession through most of the 1st half, but were unable to find the back of the net. Genesee experienced similar resistance, with Ocean's Holly Applegate making 8 saves on the day before the teams moved into overtime. With neither squad able to break the scoreless stalemate, the match continued through a 2nd extra period, until ultimately being decided via penalty kick. Ocean team captains Juliana Rettino and Melanie Lockwood both scored, but the team was unable to match the Cougars, whose 4 goals clinched the victory. The Vikings then competed in a consolation match on Thursday (11/10) against #8 Anne Arundel Community College, and fell to the Riverhawks, 1-0. 

Following OCC Women's Soccer's 2 matches, head coach (and Region XIX Coach of the Year) Breeana Cassidy reflected upon the season: "The team certainly exceeded my expectations, in a way. I knew we were going to be a dangerous team the minute the season started, but the way the players clicked together was remarkable. To get Ocean back to the big stage with the young group I had was a shock to some, but not to me. Each player contributed to our success. It was certainly fun to watch the team excel as much as they did. The team never gave up and came to play day in and day out. It was a special season, and I hope we can continue to raise our profile and get back to nationals each year." 

Ocean finishes the 2022 season with a record of 8-2-1, and as NJCAA Region XIX (N. Atlantic A District) champions.