Redbirds’ Olivias show up in big game

ALLENTOWN » When Allentown High girls soccer coach Kim Maurer penciled the Olivias into her opening day lineup little did she know those two would have such an impact 21 games later in a sectional final.

The freshmen wingers created havoc for 80 minutes and were as big a reason as any why the Redbirds captured the first sectional title in program history when they beat Toms River East, 2-1, in the Central Jersey Group III final on Thursday afternoon.

“It’s been amazing,” Olivia Ricci said. “In the beginning, it was stressful because I had to adjust (to being on varsity), but now that I’m used to it, I love it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Maurer trusted Ricci enough to let her take the penalty kick that ended up as the game-winning goal.

“We practice penalties all the time, and I’m one of the shooters,” said Ricci, who has nine goals this season. “When we were out there, it was just me and Emma (Pascarella) and everyone just started saying “Ricci, Ricci, Ricci.’ I was just like, ‘OK.’”

While Ricci lines up on the right, Olivia Denney holds down the left side. Denney won the penalty when she galloped past a defender and was fouled in the box.

“It was definitely a penalty,” Denney said. “They were all over me on that.”

Those contributions — beat defenders, get to the end line and put crosses in — weren’t lost on their teammates.

“They showed up big time,” Pascarella said. “They’re a huge help with any game, but this game they did exactly what coach (Maurer) said to do.”

If Allentown is going to turn a sectional title into a state title, the Olivias are going to play a key role.

“It’s a boost of confidence and I’ve been working so hard,” Denney said. “Every practice is so much fun and it’s a learning experience. I’m so happy and so glad I get to be part of an amazing team.”