Princeton gets revenge on Monroe in semis

PRINCETON » The last time Monroe ventured into Princeton, it was the Tigers’ Senior Day and Monroe played the role of a spoiler. The Tigers didn’t forget. “I was angry coming on the field,’’ said Princeton’s Serena Bolitho, after Princeton returned the favor in resounding fashion with an impressive 17-8 win over Monroe on a bright sunny Monday afternoon in the Central Jersey Group IV semifinal played in Princeton.

“I figured they took our Senior Day so let’s finish up some old business,’’ added Bolitho, recalling the 16-15 loss to Monroe. “We put in work during the week and everything clicked.’’

The win sends the No. 1 seeded Tigers (12-10) to the CJ IV Sectional finals on Thursday when they will host either No. 2 Rancocas Valley or No. 3 Freehold Township.

“It’s very exciting to be going to a final,’’ said Princeton coach Sara Doran. “I was on the 1985 state championship team. So, it has a lot of meaning for me to be here with my daughter (Lila) on this team.’’

The way the Tigers started the game certainly showed some state championship caliber as they stunned the Falcons (16-6).

The attack saw seven Princeton players notch at least one point, the midfield did a great job on ground balls and the defense caused numerous turnovers. When the Tigers burst out to an 8-2 halftime lead it was due to a big advantage in draw controls.

“Monroe is a great team and we were prepared for today,’’ said Shaylah Marciano. “We just came out fired up and we just took care of business.’’

Bolitho led the attack with five goals. Mariana Lopez-Ona had three goals as did Eva Petrone. Marciano, Abaigeal Ryan and Shoshi Henderson all had a pair of goals.

Marciano, who is among the leaders in the state with 73 assists, had three helpers. Lopez-One had two with Sophia Navarrete and Morgan Beamer each getting one. Grace Reardon was solid in the cage with six saves.

The Falcons, who were trailing 13-2 before the offense got in gear, were led by Ashley Patten and Paige Gandy with three goals each. Kaley Battoglia and Katie Gallagher each had one.

“I told them from the first whistle to the last we have to play our hearts out,’’ said Doran. “It’s rare that you get a second chance in a season for redemption. They played their hearts out. We played as a team and they were trusting each other, and the defense was communicating beautifully and it all came together and I’m really proud of them.’’

This is a Princeton team that is putting it all together at the right time of the year, and one of the reasons has been the play of Marciano.

“It’s been amazing, and my teammates have been so supportive,’’ said Marciano. “Even if I make a bad pass they are there to pick it up and put it in the net. This is tournament play, it’s do or die, and we really want to win.’’

Monroe (16-6) Princeton (12-10) Goals —

Patten 3, Gandy 3, Battoglia, Gallagher (M). Bolitho 5, Lopez-Ona 3, Petrone 3, Marciano 2, Henderson 2, Ryan 2 (P).

Marciano 3, Lopez-Ona 2, Petrone, Navarrete (P).

16 (M). 31 (P).

Palmer 11 (M). Reardon 6 (P).

Assists — Shots — Saves — 2 6—8 8 9 — 17