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DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ
New Jersey has some of the toughest laws in the country regarding drunk driving, specifically driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). Notably, there's a strict prohibition against plea bargaining to reduce DWI charges. A first-time conviction for drunk driving can result in hefty fines, a possible jail sentence of up to 30 days, and a 90-day suspension of your driving privileges, not to mention additional financial repercussions that can linger.
If you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence, prepare for mandatory license suspension, the potential for jail time, and a staggering minimum of $6,575 in fines and surcharges if convicted. If your insurance company catches wind of the conviction, you may have to pay significant premium increases over the next three years
The truth is that New Jersey's courts are notoriously harsh on people arrested for DUI and DWI. The penalties are substantial and can have a lasting impact on your freedom, work, and life as a whole. Fortunately, working with a quality DUI lawyer - like Edward G. Appel - can help prevent serious charges from going on your permanent record.
- Get Your DUI Case Dismissed with Help from Attorney Edward G. Appel
- The DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ, You Can Trust
- What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
- How Do DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
- Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
- DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ
Edward G. Appel, Esq.
Since 1988 Edward honed his litigation expertise serving as a defense attorney in Criminal Cases, DUI/DWI and traffic matters.
His distinguished courtroom seasoning will benefit his clients as Edward focuses on criminal defense litigation. He has handled thousands of cases and is well versed in motion practice with years of trial experience. His philosophy of being well prepared has served him well over the years and is a testament to his work ethic and diligence. Email: eappel@southjerseydui.com
The DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ, You Can Trust
Did you know that getting a DUI conviction in New Jersey means that you'll have that charge on your record for everyone to see? We're not just talking about friends and family. We mean loan officers, college officials, and prospective employers - people and entities that can help set you on a pathway to success in life. For that reason alone, it's absolutely essential to have a seasoned DUI attorney by your side who can fight for your rights when it's time to go to court. That's where DUI attorney Edward G. Appel comes in.
Many law firms in New Jersey view DWI cases as just another item on their agenda. At our firm, however, it's a primary focus. Unlike those where DWI matters are handled by generalists, we have built a dedicated department solely for DWI cases, staffed with highly trained attorneys who are passionate about this area of law.
This level of specialization isn't just a talking point. It reflects our commitment to providing clients with the strongest defense possible. By leveraging advanced training and a thorough understanding of New Jersey DUI laws, our team is ready to fight your DUI charges and pursue the best possible outcomes for your case.
At the end of the day, our goal isn't to lecture you or judge your actions. Our goal is to defend you and your rights with reliable, aggressive advocacy so you have a real shot at reclaiming your life. Some of the most common situations we help clients overcome include:
DUI Defense in New Jersey
There are several methods to challenge a DWI charge, so facing this accusation does not necessarily lead to a conviction. Attorney Edward G. Appel will examine the specifics of your case to identify the best approach to defend your rights and safeguard your freedom.
DUI Penalties in New Jersey
Receiving a DUI conviction can lead to significant repercussions, irrespective of whether it's your first offense or a subsequent one. The best way to mitigate the risks of jail time, fines, license revocation, and other penalties is to contest your charge with the assistance of a skilled DUI attorney in Hopewell, NJ.
DUI Charges Involving Drugs in New Jersey
Being charged with DUI can happen if you're impaired by illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs. These situations tend to be complex, so having a skilled attorney is essential to effectively contest the charges.
DUI Penalties in New Jersey
A DUI conviction can lead to significant repercussions, whether it's your first offense or if you've been charged before. The best way to avoid penalties such as jail time, fines, and license suspension is to contest your DWI charge with the assistance of a skilled attorney.
DUI Field Sobriety and BAC Tests in New Jersey
Authorities use several types of tests to ascertain whether a driver is under the influence. These tests consist of field sobriety tests, breath analysis, and blood examinations. However, the outcomes of these evaluations can sometimes be misleading. Edward G. Appel has the expertise to recognize and demonstrate the inaccuracies in these results to protect your freedom.
What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
Most people feel anxious and frightened after getting arrested for DWI because they are uncertain about what comes next. It almost feels like you're about to hike Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site near Hopewell, NJ without the proper climbing gear. That's why it's so important to understand what to anticipate following a DUI arrest - so you can prepare yourself. The initial step in the legal process is the arraignment, which is a court session that occurs soon after your DUI arrest. At this session, the judge will outline the charges that have been brought against you and give you a summary of the penalties you might face. A significant number of traffic cases are settled with plea agreements, but prosecutors are prohibited from providing these arrangements in DUI cases.
That means you have two options: You can plead guilty and face the full penalties of a DUI conviction, or you can plead not guilty and continue to fight for your rights. There is a chance that your charges could be dropped before the trial, but this usually occurs only if there are significant weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence. The judge in your case will decide the outcome after both parties have presented their evidence. Instead of going through this complicated legal process by yourself, call a New Jersey DUI lawyer like Edward G. Appel. It could mean the difference between years of hardship and a clean record.
Understanding DUI Charges in New Jersey: Criminal vs. Traffic Offenses
In New Jersey, driving under the influence (DUI) is categorized as a traffic violation, though the consequences of DUI charges are severe. However, a license suspension is not mandatory for all offenders. First-time offenders arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level under 0.15% may avoid suspension if they quickly install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their personal vehicle. Other potential penalties associated with a DUI conviction can include community service, fines, and, in certain situations, imprisonment. Depending on the circumstances of your case, working with experienced DUI attorneys in Hopewell, NJ, can help you avoid some or all of these punishments.
You may also be charged with DUI if you operate a vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating substances, regardless of whether they are illegal, prescribed, or available over the counter. The specific type of drug is irrelevant; what matters is your impairment and inability to drive safely.
If convicted of a drug-related DUI, you could face:
- A license suspension of 7 to 12 months
- Up to 30 days of incarceration
- Fines and surcharges exceeding $3,500
A second conviction may result in a jail sentence ranging from 2 to 90 days and a 2-year suspension of your driver's license, along with increased fines and surcharges.
Here's What to Expect After Your 1st DUI Charge in New Jersey
Many individuals charged with DUI believe that they will receive leniency if it's their first offense, but this is not always true. First-time offenders may incur significant fines, up to 30 days of incarceration, and the compulsory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. Penalties increase for first-time offenders with a BAC of 0.10% or more at the time of arrest.
As mentioned above, these individuals face a longer mandatory IID installation period, larger fines, and the potential for jail time. First-time offenders will also experience a rise in their auto insurance premiums after their arrest. The State of New Jersey takes DUI offenses seriously, even for those encountering it for the first time.
Here's What to Expect After Your 2nd DUI Charge in New Jersey
It doesn't take a graduate from The Learning Experience Hopewell in Hopewell, NJ to know that getting a second DUI is bad. Defendants who are charged again within 10 years of a prior conviction face increased penalties for a second DUI offense. They may be fined up to $1,000 and must serve at least 48 hours in jail, with a maximum of 90 days. Additionally, a second conviction can lead to 30 days of community service, a one-to-two-year license suspension, and two to four years of mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) use. These consequences, along with higher insurance rates, can significantly affect a repeat offender's life.
Here's What to Expect After Your 3rd DUI Charge in New Jersey
The court has the authority to impose stringent penalties on individuals with two or more DUI convictions within the past decade. If a person is found guilty of DUI for the third time in a 10- year span, the court may sentence them to 180 days in jail along with a $1,000 fine. Those convicted for the third time will lose their driving licenses for a duration of 8 years.
The court may also require these offenders to install an ignition interlock device for a period of two to four years after their driving rights are reinstated. Because third-time offenders are categorized as high-risk drivers, they will likely face significantly increased auto insurance rates. These individuals should anticipate an extra $1,500 surcharge on their auto insurance each year for three consecutive years. Given that these penalties can have a serious impact on both personal and professional aspects of life, it is crucial to contest the charges with help from a skilled DUI attorney like Edward G. Appel.
How Do DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
Hiring a well-respected DUI lawyer often has a major impact on your case's outcome. Great attorneys will get started immediately by taking a deep dive into the particulars of your case. They'll look for issues with the prosecution's evidence, such as:
- Did on-scene officers follow protocol when storing samples and administering chemical tests?
- Did officers have a valid reason for pulling you over to begin with?
- Are the results from your chemical tests reliable?
If not, a lawyer can expose these concerns, potentially resulting in the dismissal of the charges. These are just a few examples of how an attorney can challenge DUI charges for you.
At the law firm of Edward G. Appel, we thoroughly investigate every detail when defending our clients. In fact, our clients benefit from personalized attention, support, and a meticulously crafted defense that aligns with the specific details of their arrest. For instance, if you're arrested for DUI near John Hart's Farm in Hopewell, NJ, our team can examine the scene, analyze the protocols police took, and interview witnesses. We're not satisfied until our lawyers have explored every potential defense strategy for your case. Through comprehensive investigation, negotiation, and, when required, litigation, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Clients choose us not to simply enter a guilty plea but to robustly contest the charges against them. While no attorney can promise specific outcomes, we assure you that we will continue to advocate for you until you decide otherwise. We examine every detail of your case to ensure all necessary evidence is gathered and the right motions are submitted. There are motions available to suppress evidence if your constitutional rights were infringed upon during the stop, as well as motions to limit or dismiss evidence under particular conditions. Contact us today to evaluate your case. We are eager to help you, even if it's just to provide an initial consultation.
Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
The steps you take following a DUI arrest can significantly influence your chances of successfully contesting the charges. Unfortunately, many individuals fall into common traps that can worsen their situation and negatively impact the outcome of their case. Here's a list of the three most common mistakes that people tend to make after being arrested for DUI.
1. Failing to Hire Reputable DUI Attorneys in Hopewell, NJ
When selecting a lawyer for a DUI case, you can consult your family lawyer, seek a recommendation from a friend, or find a local attorney. The biggest thing to remember is that you should hire an attorney who understands DUI law and has a solid reputation in DUI defense. Legal issues can be complicated in New Jersey, which is why competent support is paramount. Presenting the right defenses at the right time is crucial; otherwise, you may lose those opportunities. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses may become unavailable. A case that seems winnable can quickly turn into a lost cause. Remember that failing to act is also a choice.
2. Downplaying DUI Consequences
Understanding the implications of a conviction is a key part of strategizing your defense and can influence your defense approach. Factors such as how your home state handles convictions, the impact of any previous offenses, whether you are a commercial driver or the potential effects on your employment should be explored with a DUI lawyer who is familiar with the possible repercussions of your unique situation.
3. Giving Up and Pleading Guilty
Anyone can choose to plead guilty. However, if you decide to challenge your DUI charge, you have a chance of winning. By pleading guilty, you forfeit that opportunity. There are many scientific and constitutional challenges that can lead to the dismissal of your DUI case. When you plead guilty, you give up your right to contest these issues and force the State to prove its case against you. It's important to check that your lawyer is well-equipped to spot the issues that could lead to a successful defense in your case
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DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in Hopewell, NJ
Since 1988, Edward G. Appel, Esq. and his team of criminal defense attorneys have fought hard for the rights of clients just like you - men and women who have been charged with a DUI in New Jersey. Because the truth is that a DUI conviction can change your life in an instant.
Opportunities that you once had may be lost, sometimes forever. Having an experienced and dedicated defense attorney by your side can mean the difference between incarceration and dismissed charges or a diminished sentence. It's critical that you exercise your right to hire an attorney who can protect your freedom and defend you in court. Call the offices of Edward G. Appel to learn more about DUI law in New Jersey and to schedule your initial consultation today.
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Latest News in Hopewell, NJ
Exploring Hopewell’s Black History through the Archives
Community Contributorhttps://mercerme.com/exploring-hopewells-black-history-through-the-archives/
In this talk, Hopewell Borough native Kate Jackson will present her multi-faceted research on Black history in Hopewell Valley, discussing the various archival sources she has found and analyzed.Thanks to the work of Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck, Black history in Hopewell Valley has become more visible in recent years. There is still much to be discovered and discussed. By examining census details, trends of migration, employment records, and documented residences of Black families, Kate’s research commits the existence of the ...
In this talk, Hopewell Borough native Kate Jackson will present her multi-faceted research on Black history in Hopewell Valley, discussing the various archival sources she has found and analyzed.
Thanks to the work of Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck, Black history in Hopewell Valley has become more visible in recent years. There is still much to be discovered and discussed. By examining census details, trends of migration, employment records, and documented residences of Black families, Kate’s research commits the existence of the Black community to the historical record. Using other archival sources, Kate pieces together a broader sense of the nature of life in Hopewell for this long oppressed community.
Time & Location
Apr 16, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hopewell Theatre or Zoom, 5 S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ 08525, USA
About the speaker:
Kate Jackson is a life-long Hopewell Borough resident, who interned with the Hopewell Valley Historical Society this past summer. In her final year of undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, Kate continued researching Black history in Hopewell by making it the subject of her senior capstone project. Through her work with the Rutgers Scarlet and Black Research Center, Kate has explored newspaper advertisements detailing freedom seeking events of enslaved folks in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. She maintains engagement in the Hopewell community by volunteering for the Chubby’s Project
This Program is FREE and open to the public.
Attend in person at the Hopewell Theatre, 5 S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ – no registration required.
Or join online via Zoom. Register by clicking the RSVP button at the top of the page to get an email with the Zoom login information.
Co-sponsored by:
The Hopewell Valley Historical Society; The Hopewell Museum; The Hopewell Public Library;Sourland Stoutsburg African American Museum
Boys Lacrosse 2025 CVC final preview - Notre Dame vs. Hopewell Valley
Mike Kinneyhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/05/boys-lacrosse-2025-cvc-final-preview-notre-dame-vs-hopewell-valley.html
2025 CVC TOURNAMENT FINALBRACKETThursday, May 15, at Hopewell Valley2-Notre Dame (12-2) at 1-Hopewell Valley (14-2), 6 p.m.Hopewell Valley has won 2 titles, 2012 and 2024; Notre Dame won its only title in 2011.Hopewell Valley defeated Princeton, 16-11, to win what was then the championship of the Mercer County Tournament. It moved back to a strictly Colonial Valley Conference affair this season. Many current Hopewell Valley standouts contributed to that win, including Johnny El...
2025 CVC TOURNAMENT FINAL
BRACKET
Thursday, May 15, at Hopewell Valley
2-Notre Dame (12-2) at 1-Hopewell Valley (14-2), 6 p.m.
Hopewell Valley has won 2 titles, 2012 and 2024; Notre Dame won its only title in 2011.
Hopewell Valley defeated Princeton, 16-11, to win what was then the championship of the Mercer County Tournament. It moved back to a strictly Colonial Valley Conference affair this season. Many current Hopewell Valley standouts contributed to that win, including Johnny Ellis with five goals and one assist, Ryan Foret with four goals and four assists, Luke Caldwell with three goals, one assist and Dylan Yasher, who won 19-of-27 faceoffs and netted two goals. The Bulldogs avenged a 17-11 loss to Princeton earlier that season.
This is Hopewell Valley’s 4th appearance; Notre Dame is making its 3rd.
Notre Dame forged a two-goal lead at the half of its May 3 regular-season clash with the Bulldogs and expanded it slightly in the second half for a 13-9 victory. Junior Kenny Romano helped set the offensive agenda for the Irish by winning 19-of-26 at the faceoff X, while junior goalie Vincenzo Labianca stopped 14 shots to hold Hopewell Valley’s potent offense relatively at bay; it averages almost 14 goals a game. Roman Klish and Griffin Schaefer each scored three goals. Merritt Long and Alexander White had two apiece, and Emanuel Jastrzebski recorded six assists in the victory. Hopewell Valley got six goals and one assist from Luke Caldwell, two goals from Ty Becker, and five assists from Ryan Foret.
Notre Dame: Defeated 7-seed WW-PS in the quarterfinals, 25-3; defeated 6-seed Princeton Day in the semifinals, 8-3.
Hopewell Valley: Defeated 9-seed Steinert in the quarterfinals, 15-2; defeated 4-seed Princeton in the semifinals, 12-4.
Hopewell Valley:
Luke Caldwell, Sr., A, 87G, 33A); Ryan Foret, Sr., A (40G, 57A); Johnny Ellis, Sr., M (31G, 9A); Milan Desai, Sr., D (1G, 35GB); Dylan Yasher, Sr., M/FO (4G, 5A, .607 win percent.); Ben DeCore, Sr., LSM (5G, 1A, 50GB); Kyle Yadamiec, Jr., M (11G, 19A); Michael Vagott, Sr., D (1A, 14GB); Owen Shehab, Sr., G (.587 save percent.); Carter Horvath, Jr., D (21GB); Gavin Seibold, Jr., M (7G, 3A); Max Przelski, Fr., M (4G, 5A); Joseph Demareski, Sr., M (2G, 4A); Preston Horvath, Fr., FO (.703 win percent.).
Notre Dame:
Emanuel Jastrzebski, Jr., A (37G, 60A); Roman Klish, Jr., A (31G, 30A); Merritt Long, Jr., M/A (23G, 36A); Kenny Romano, Jr., FO (5G, 1A, .689 win percent.); Kyle Wood, Sr., LSM/D (26GB); Joey Kloc, Jr., LSM (3G, 13 GB); Vincenzo Labianca, Jr., G (.588 save percent.); Griffin Schaefer, Sr., M (26G, 16A); Alexander White, So., M (26G, 15A); Jay Benjamin, Jr., LSM/D (19GB); Liam Donovan, Sr., M (7G, 7A); Luke Spearnock, Sr., D (9GB); Payton White, Sr., A (8G, 5A); Caden Fererigo, Jr., M (9G, 8A); Darin Urstadt, Sr., D (12GB); Torian Ellis, Sr., M (6G, 2A); Liam Wheeler, Sr., FO (3G, 2A, .719 win percent.).
Key factor: Tale of two titles
It is altogether possible that Hopewell Valley saw the championship prediction below and let go a collective nod of contentment.
The Bulldogs were in this same situation a year ago, when they squared off in the 2024 Mercer County final against a Princeton team that had defeated them by six goals earlier in the season.
But Hopewell got out to a much stronger start than was so in the April game and came away with a 16-11 victory.
The Bulldogs will be looking to orchestrate a similar hot start here against a Notre Dame squad that has spent the last month or so dictating the action for four quarters against all comers. The Irish - under second-year head coach Bryan Rice - carry an 11-game win streak into the contest.
In their May 3 battle this season, Notre Dame opened a 6-4 lead in the first half en route to a 13-9 victory. Roman Klish and Griffin Schaefer scored three goals apiece and Rutgers commit Emanuel Jastrzebski generated six assists.
Hopewell Valley’s Luke Caldwell enjoyed a prolific outing against Notre Dame that day with six goals and one assist, and senior teammate Ryan Foret tallied five assists. Big numbers, so sure, but not fatal for Notre Dame as its defense made sure no one else inflicted much damage.
Opponents for years have discovered that the Caldwell-Foret tandem is simply too talented and cohesive to expect to shut down; Caldwell enters this game with 415 points (11th all-time in New Jersey), and Foret has 283.
But this junior-dominated Notre Dame club has flaunted one of the more balanced offensive units in the state while averaging 15.1 goals a game. That ability to finish with such consistency is often the remedy for an opposing offense with capabilities.
Jastrzebski, a highly skilled distributor, leads with 97 points, followed by Roman Lish with 61, Merritt Long with 59, Griffin Schaefer with 42, and Alexander White with 41. All but sophomore White are juniors.
Three Hopewell Valley players have 40 or more points, Caldwell, Foret and senior Johnny Ellis with 40. That small disparity becomes inflated when facing up to an accomplished defense.
Hopewell’s defense is charged with a big task here as it attempts to subdue at least a couple of those Notre Dame playmakers. the Bulldogs also will need to realize a bit more success at the faceoff X than in that first meeting, when Romano was 19-of-26.
The Pick: Notre Dame
Mike Kinney can be reached at mkinney@njadvancemedia.com.
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Hopewell Valley advances past Princeton into CVC final - Boys lacrosse recap
N.J. High School Sports Deskhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/05/hopewell-valley-advances-past-princeton-into-cvc-final-boys-lacrosse-recap.html
Ryan Foret scored five goals to lead top-seeded Hopewell Valley to a 12-4 victory over fourth-seeded Princeton in the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament semifinal in Pennington.Complete Box Score »The Bulldogs (14-2) dominated the contest with a balanced attack that included four goals from Luke Caldwell. Hopewell Valley jumped out to a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and pulled away with eight goals in the second half.Dy...
Ryan Foret scored five goals to lead top-seeded Hopewell Valley to a 12-4 victory over fourth-seeded Princeton in the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament semifinal in Pennington.
The Bulldogs (14-2) dominated the contest with a balanced attack that included four goals from Luke Caldwell. Hopewell Valley jumped out to a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and pulled away with eight goals in the second half.
Dylan Yasher controlled the faceoff circle for Hopewell Valley, winning 12 of 18 draws (67%) while contributing a goal, an assist, and a team-high six ground balls. Kyle Yadamiec added two assists and seven ground balls for the Bulldogs.
Princeton (10-7) was led by Declan Hughes, who tallied a goal and an assist. Michael Frenia, Braden Barlag, and Gavin Pomraning each scored once for the Tigers, while Carmine Carusone contributed an assist.
After a scoreless second quarter, Hopewell Valley broke the game open with four goals in the third period and added four more in the fourth to secure the victory. Owen Shehab made nine saves in goal for the Bulldogs.
Hopewell Valley will face second-seeded Notre Dame in the CVC Tournament final.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
Strong start propels Notre Dame to Colonial Division win over Hopewell Valley
Lauren Knegohttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/04/strong-start-propels-notre-dame-to-colonial-division-win-over-hopewell-valley.html
Notre Dame wanted to come out strong in its game against Hopewell Valley on Monday afternoon, and the Irish executed their game plan to perfection.Notre Dame jumped out to a commanding 9-0 lead after the first quarter, effectively taking the wind out of Hopewell Valley’s sails, en route to a 16-6 victory in a Colonial Valley Conference Colonial Division matchup.Complete Box Score »It was the second-straight win for the ...
Notre Dame wanted to come out strong in its game against Hopewell Valley on Monday afternoon, and the Irish executed their game plan to perfection.
Notre Dame jumped out to a commanding 9-0 lead after the first quarter, effectively taking the wind out of Hopewell Valley’s sails, en route to a 16-6 victory in a Colonial Valley Conference Colonial Division matchup.
It was the second-straight win for the Irish after an 18-9 loss to No. 5 Haddonfield on April 15, and put them at 1-1 in the division behind No. 11 Allentown and Princeton.
“We knew that we had to get a big win because they’ve had a great season, so we knew that we had to come out strong, which we did,” Notre Dame’s Grace Koziol said. “Our main goal was to come out strong, get a good lead so we could settle and play our game.”
Notre Dame almost scored a goal a minute in the first quarter and led 9-0. Hopwell Valley opened the second quarter with goals from Logan Mullowney and Katie Reinhart to cut it to 9-2 with 9:10 remaining, but the Irish closed out the quarter with three goals to take a 12-2 lead at halftime.
“I just wanted us to get out there and hustle and be done with the game in the first quarter, and that’s what we did,” Notre Dame’s Michaela Driscoll said.
Both sides scored three goals in the third quarter as Notre Dame led 14-5, and both scored one goal in the fourth quarter for the 16-6 final.
“I think it was just our start, we came out really strong, we had a tough game on Thursday so we kind of bottled that energy,” Koziol said. “Our talking has been really great and Riley Carr, our goalie, she’s been fantastic. Our defense, we are a very close group so we talk all the time on and off the field, so I think that is what’s helped us the most.”
For Hopewell Valley, which was held to its lowest point total of the season, the loss snapped a six-game win streak after the Bulldogs opened the season at 8-1.
Despite the loss, Hopewell Valley is off to one of its best starts in recent memory. The Bulldogs haven’t finished with a winning season since 2022, when they went 9-8. They won five games in 2023, and last season, in head coach Sara Wagner’s first year back as head coach, won six.
This year, they started the season at 2-0 before an 11-9 loss to Princeton on April 2. From there, the Bulldogs won six-straight games and had averaged 13 goals a game prior to Monday’s loss.
“I think the expectation was just to play to our best ability. We knew it was going to be a tough game, they’re a good team, they’re a fast team,” Wagner said. “We hadn’t played a team that was that fast yet, and as coaches we’ve seen that so kind of helping them understand, ‘Hey this is going to be tough,’ while keeping their confidence and self esteem. So after the game we talked about what do we need to work on?
“But good for them to enjoy the beginning stretch too, where they were having success in terms of wins and losses and scoring goals. So we knew this was coming and we know the rest of our schedule is going to be just as challenging, so how do you get better, how do you compete.”
For Hopewell Valley, Lacey Mauldin led with two goals and one assist. Mullowney scored twice, while Riley Kerr and Reinhart each added a goal. Freshman goalie Lexi Jones made eight saves.
Seven different players contributed offensively for Notre Dame, with Driscoll leading the way with four goals and three assists. She recorded her 100th career point with 10:46 left in the third quarter to give the Irish a 13-2 lead.
“I didn’t know if I was going to achieve it today but I’m very grateful I did,” Driscoll said of the milestone. “It feels good, I feel like I owe a lot to my team. They made sure I was going to achieve this goal and they made it happen, so I give it all to them.”
Reese Parker contributed four goals and one assist, while Aubrey Davis finished with a hat trick and two assists. Capri Valentino contributed one goal and five assists. Kate Moog scored twice while Carr posted 10 saves.
“I think our team work today was way better than it has been,” Koziol said “We were passing, we were moving. It was an always us mentality as we say, instead of taking one person and doing it all, so that was really good.”
Lauren Knego may be reached at lknego@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @laurenknego
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