Bennett & Coulahan Named To NJCAA All-Tournament Team

A follow-up to an already successful year, freshman goalkeeper Emma Bennett, and freshman defender, Paige Coulahan, have been named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team. The Jersey Blues women finished fourth nationally in Division III, with a final overall record of 11-3.

Freshman goalkeeper, Emma Bennett, was an absolute clutch in the net throughout the tournament. In game one vs. the #4 ranked Genesee Community College Cougars, Bennett captured 19 saves throughout the game, including her three crucial game-winning saves during the sudden death penalty kicks. As a result, Brookdale grabbed the 5-4 win and advanced to the second round against #1 ranked Delta College. In game two against the Delta Pioneers, Bennett collected 16 hard-working saves in the unfortunate 3-0 loss as the Blues finished #4 in the country.

Paige Coulahan didn’t necessarily produce stats as a defender, but her strong midfield presence is all the Jersey Blues needed in the tournament and throughout the season. Coulahan’s view of the game, her speed, powerful foot, and loyalty to the backfield have been everything in each game. For example, in the first game vs. Genesee CC, which lasted 110 minutes, Coulahan stepped up and took the dreaded first penalty kick of the seven taken, which was a success and key for the team’s win.

In the second game, the battle with Delta was played on more of the defensive end since the Jersey Blues weren’t connecting offensively, and Paige was consistently being attacked. Coulahan was there for every ball, challenging the Pioneers, and truly gave it her all, which did not go unnoticed.