Oak Knoll secured its position as the top team in New Jersey by defending its Non-Public crown with a commanding 5-0 victory over No. 3 Camden Catholic in the NJSIAA Non-Public final held on November 15, 2023, in Bordentown. This win marks Oak Knoll’s 14th state championship and their 13th consecutive appearance in the state finals, showcasing the team’s consistent excellence since the Non-Public finals were introduced in 2013.
Entering the final with an impressive record of 18 consecutive victories, Oak Knoll demonstrated both balance and depth on the field. Early in the match, Quinn Rosciano opened the scoring just 2:03 into the game, setting the tone for what would become an overwhelming performance. Phoebe Laferriere quickly followed up, doubling the lead at 10:39 in the first quarter.
Dominant Performance Secures Title
The Royals maintained their momentum into the second quarter, with Rosciano netting another goal 6:13 in, bringing the score to 3-0. Lexi Cusimano added to the tally just before halftime, solidifying a commanding 4-0 lead for Oak Knoll.
The final quarter saw Laferriere make a notable contribution, scoring again on a breakaway at 10:27 to cap off the scoring. This match was particularly significant, as it was the first time in their series that a running clock was implemented during the final, reflecting Oak Knoll’s dominance.
The outcome of this final is even more remarkable considering the previous five state finals between these two teams were decided by an average of only 2.2 goals. This emphatic victory not only highlights Oak Knoll’s strength but also serves as a fitting conclusion to an undefeated season against in-state competition.
With a final score of 5-0, Oak Knoll has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in New Jersey field hockey, leaving fans and opponents alike eager to see what the future holds for this talented team.
