The Make-Shift Goaltender
By Corianne Egan
Every sport has backups. It’s not realistic to think a team could get through an entire season without an injury to a key player. But what happens when your backup gets hurt?
In the case of Rowan women’s soccer, you put Kate Harman in.
Starting goaltender Sarah Volkomer, who was already suffering through a shoulder injury, wasn’t available due to a concussion. Backup Jill Brannan had been resting her bruised ribs, but re-aggravated the injury in pre-game warm-ups. Someone would have to step up, and in this case it was a forward.
“I had played goalie my senior year of high school, and a couple times throughout the years here,” explained Harman, “But I was still a nervous wreck to start and play my first whole game.”
The good news for Rowan was that Harman didn’t play like a third-string backup. She led the Profs to 1-0 win over NJAC opponent Jersey City University, keeping them in a close game and then closing it out in the waning seconds.
“We knew they were a better team than they seemed,” said captain Krista Verzi, “Kate really has the most heart on this team. She would do anything on and off the field to help.”
With the score tied after halftime, Rowan came out shooting. After a free kick by midfielder Nina Fragoso, Jersey City goaltender Kelly Reilly dropped the ball in front of the net. Midfielder Evynn Wright was there to capitalize and give Rowan their only goal of the game
Harman sealed the win with a minute to play after a shot by forward Ashley Cuhna hit the crossbar. Harman, who was on the other side of the goal, leapt to the air, caught the ball, and got the ball out of harm’s way.
“I don’t even know how it happened,” Harman said, “It was so fast. I just reached up and grabbed it and everyone was yelling.”
This was Harman’s first full game this season, although she did appear in two other games. It was also her first shutout of her college career. Jersey City’s offense is one of the most powerful in the NJAC, and they are led by forward Julie Cesares and Cuhna, who happen to be first and second in scoring this season.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from Kate,” captain Caitlin Toomey said, “She has more heart than anyone on our team.”
With the win. Rowan advances to 7-0 in conference, with a 13-1-1 overall record. They are currently ranked tenth in the nation. There are two more games left on Rowan’s schedule, and both are against NJAC opponents. The Profs travel to Newark to face Rutgers-Newark on Saturday, October 24 then come home to play their final game of the season against Rutgers-Camden on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 PM.
