Princeton falls to Clearview in state semis

MOORESTOWN » First there was the rough start, and then the grueling schedule, and it all had Abaigeal Ryan wondering.

Was this going to be the senior season the Princeton High midfielder dreamt about?

Then came a win in the sectional semifinals followed by a thrilling Central Jersey sectional title game.

Finally, Ryan was a champion and her dreams were realized.

Ryan and the Little Tigers tried to add to their resume with a berth in the NJSIAA Group IV state championship game on a sweltering Tuesday afternoon in Moorestown against South Jersey champion Clearview, but it was the Pioneers getting the best of Princeton, 20-7, to advance.

“We had a tough schedule in the beginning and a lull in the middle of the season and we didn’t think we were going to be able to pull it out the way we did,” said Ryan. “When we beat Monroe in the sectional semifinals that is when it clicked, and we knew we could do this.”

The Little Tigers (13-11) were part of one of the wildest sectional final games ever as they rallied to beat Rancocas Valley after being down five goals early in the second half.

“That game was just insane,” said Ryan. “It was one of the best games I’ve ever played. I have no regrets. I’ve never made it to this point in any sport. I always wanted to win something and now I can say I did.”

Headed to Temple to join her sister, Julia, in the fall, Ryan leaves a champion.

Clearview (15-6) let the Little Tigers know early on it was not going to be an easy day as it gathered in the first three draws and it was 3-0 with 23:35 left in the first half. Princeton got it to 3-2, but the Pioneers scored seven of the next 10 for a 10-5 halftime lead.

“We weren’t finishing our shots and if we had converted those it might have gotten the momentum going in a different direction,” said Princeton coach Sara Doran. “I told them at halftime we were still in this, but it came down to a possession game.”

Clearview held a 22-6 advantage in draw controls and by the time the Little Tigers captured their first draw in the second half at the 9:53 mark the score was 17-7.

The Pioneers were led by freshman Hailey Russo with five goals, Dani Paterno had four, Alyssa DeAngelo and Camryn Pennypacker each had a hat trick, Jillian Verrelle had two with Rachel Johnson, Claire Eisenhart and Danielle Brown all having one.

Mariana Lopez-Ona led the Tigers with three goals and an assist, Ryan and Eva Petrone each scored a pair and Serena Bolitho added an assist.

But, the star for the CJ champions was goalie, Grace Reardon.

Not only did Reardon record her 100th save in the game her play in the cage was amazing as she notched 13 saves.

“Once I got in the groove it was good,” said Reardon, a first-year starter. “It was a fun game. It’s great to see how much I’ve improved and how much my teammates have supported me.”

The Tigers have only four seniors and it was a great run for the seniors and a great learning experience for those returning in 2019.

“I’m so proud of them,” said Doran. “They fought and played as a team. We have only four graduating seniors and we will use this to propel us into next year.”

Princeton (13-11) Clearview (15-6) Goals —

Lopez-Ona 3, Ryan 2, Petrone 2 (P). Russo 5, Paterno 4, Pennypacker 3, DeAngelo 3, Verrelle 2, Johnson, Eisenhart, Brown (C).

Marciano 2, Lopez-Ona, Bolitho (P). DeAngelo 3, Paterno 2, Russo (C).

17 (P). 35 (C).

Reardon 13 (P). Shaup 7 (C).

Assists — Shots — Saves — 5 2—7 10 10 — 20