Oak Knoll’s Field Hockey team (NJ.com’s No. 1 seed) dominated the NJSIAA Central East E Championship last weekend, winning over long-time, local rival Kent Place (NJ.com’s no. 2 seed) in a 3-0 victory in Chatham.

Despite a cancelled state group tournament and Tournament of Champions due to COVID-19, the Royals maintained an impressive winning streak this season of 41 games, dating back to the 2018 season.

Oak Knoll finished this year’s season at 14-0-1, with one tie with West Essex. According to NJ.com, “This year’s senior class went the entirety of their junior and senior seasons without a loss, and Oak Knoll went an impressive 89-2-2 during this four-year stretch.”

Ali Good, Oak Knoll’s Head Field Hockey Coach, said although this wasn’t an official state championship, she is proud of the team for going the furthest they could go under this season’s state guidelines.

“While this season was challenging and different due to the pandemic, we were extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be out on the field,” said Good.

“While there was no ‘historic’ season, I will forever remember this team as they not only sacrificed so much but they did so with absolute grace and resiliency. Our seniors didn’t have the final season they imagined, however, they demonstrated resolve, dedication, and compassion as they shifted their priorities to being invaluable leaders and supportive teammates. I am so proud and appreciative of this senior group as they showed us all season the true impact teammates can have on their team. As a coach you couldn’t ask for more!”

Keely Comizio ‘21 called the season “incredible.”

“When starting the season, so many things were being said of what we couldn’t do because of coronavirus,” said Comizio. “As a team, we decided to take a positive outlook and make the most of whatever we were given. Although it may not have been the season we imagined or the season we had hoped, it was still an unforgettable season, continuing our unbeaten record. This team is so special and what we will carry with us for the rest of our lives is not that loss of being able to play in states or a TOC, but the memories and time shared with teammates.”