Allentown’s dream season ends against Moorestown in state semis
PT. PLEASANT BORO » The journey came up one stop short of its destination and in no way should one game alter what an amazing ride it has been for Allentown.
A ride that saw a division title, a sectional title and the Redbirds even took care of some old business along the way.
Facing Moorestown is always a daunting task and the Redbirds fell victim, 15-1, on an overcast Wednesday afternoon in the NJSIAA Group III state semifinal on the turf at Point Pleasant Boro.
The Redbirds’ season ends with a solid 15-5 record. Moorestown (20-2) will advance to Saturday’s state final at Kean in search of its 22nd state title. The Quakers will face the winner of Summit and Immaculate Heart. Summit denied the Quakers the last two years.
“It’s not the greatest thing to have to end the season with a game like this,’’ said Allentown coach Jen Garavente. “In order to have this opportunity we had to do a lot to get here. It’s not the way we wanted to go out. But, we’ve had a lot of great moments.’’
The game also brought to the end some great careers as seniors. Sierra Wojcik, Mary Bellotti, Marin Hartshorn, Gianna Skowronski, Julianna Golden, Hadley Borkowski, Erin Wikoff and Riley Fogarty deservedly went out as sectional champions.
“They are such and incredible team,’’ Hartshorn said of Moorestown. “All of us seniors we are best friends, and this was the most fun I’ve ever had in a season. Everyone worked so hard and I’m proud of everyone.’’
It was difficult right from the start for the Redbirds as Moorestown scored just 35 seconds into the game. Abby Howell, the talented Allentown goalie, did all she could with three saves early to keep it close.
But, on the other end, it was the perfect storm of the Quakers defense and Allentown turnovers. The result was Mooretown reeled off eight straight and had an 8-0 lead before the Reedbirds got on the board.
The lone Allentown goal came off the stick of Marin Hartshorn on a free position shot with 1:25 left in the first half.
If there was a crushing blow it came with just six seconds left when Moorestown’s Robin Panzarella took a pass from Cailin Field and scored off the turnover for a 9-1 halftime lead.
“That goal set the attitude that you have a halftime and the whole second half,’’ said Garavente. “It allowed them to carry their momentum, too.’’
Moorestown was led by Robin Panzarella with five goals and two assists, Kacy Knobloch had three goals, Cailin Field had a pair of goals and the Quakers got single goals from Ava Frantz, Isa Arvelo, Avery Jaffee and Kayla Frank and Collette Smith. Smith had four assists.
While this one is forgettable, there have been plenty of memories this spring for the Redbirds as they swept the Colonial Valley Conference, reached the finals of the Mercer County Tournament, won their first sectional title since 2013 and erased the memory of a heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame in the 2017 sectional final.
“I’m so proud of these girls and I’m proud to coach them every single day,’’ said Garavente. “They are a team that has a lot of heart, and to have been with them every day the last few months has been a privilege. People congratulate me, but I owe it all to these girls.’’
Allentown (15-5) Clearview (20-2) Goals —
Hartshorn (A). Panzarella 5, Knobloch 3, Field 2, Frank, Jaffee, Arvelo, Smith, Frantz (M). Smith 4, Nutt 2, Panzarella 2, Field (M). 3 (A). 25 (M).
Howell 9 (A). Lillie 2 (M).
Assists — Shots — Saves — 1 0—1 9 6 — 15