Freshman Ella Van Dine scored one  goal and sophomore Sabrina Baer netted the game winner as the No. 2 nationally ranked Runners edged No. 8 Union 3-2 on the road on Thursday. Goalkeeper Grace Vit also performed well in helping RCSJ secure the key Region XIX and conference win. The Runners improved to 3-0 overall with a tough schedule ahead.

Van Dine, a former Gloucester Catholic standout, enjoyed her finest outing of the season, helping the Runners to a 1-0 lead in the first half with an unassisted score.

Union's Alex Pardo tied the score at 1-1 at 33:16 of the first half before the Runners claimed a 2-1 halftime lead on an own goal by the Owls.

Baer gave the visitors a 3-1 advantage with an unassisted goal at 74:37 in the second half before Union's Pardo closed out scoring with her second goal in the game's closing moments for the 3-2 final.

"Ella (Van Dine) played well, and today was her day." said Coach Megan Ruttler. "She was finishing her shots well and made the difference against a talented opponent."

The Runners face another tough foe on Sunday with a home match vs. Montgomery-Rockville in a home match. Ruttler's team will then face two tough rivals in Ocean County CC on Sept. 21 and Mercer CCC on Sept. 23.