Back on Top vs. Chasing History

Pennington has already won a record nine MCT titles, but this is its first appearance in the final since 2014. The Red Raiders lost on penalty kicks in the semifinals each of the last two years, but reversed that trend with a 2-0 victory over Princeton Day.

Allentown reached the final for the fourth time in the last seven years, although they are 0-3 in MCT championship games, including a 3-0 loss to Steinert last season. The Redbirds bounced back from that loss to capture the Group III state championship and enter Thursday night’s game with a remarkable 37-1 record dating back to the opener last season.

She’s at the center of everything the Red Raiders do and is in shooting range from 35 yards and in. Watch for her to try and pick out speedy wingers Jaydin Avery (team-high 13 goals) and Kelli Collins (eight goals) crashing off the wing.

To defend that, Allentown needs to close down space quickly and be disciplined to do it without fouling in dangerous areas. The Redbirds have players who can do that in rangy midfielders Alex Searing and Madi Keefe, although Searing, a CVC Player of the Year contender, left the semifinal victory over Hopewell Valley with an injury in the second half.

Senior center backs Alissa DeFelice and Katie Murin and freshman left back Christina Golden have put in one sturdy performance after another, but they’ll be tested more in this game than they have all year.