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Group 1
Sunday, Nov. 23, at Franklin
Shore (16-7) vs. Verona (18-4), 5:30
Championship History
Shore has won 5 state championships
Outright titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021)
Co-championship (2013)
Verona has not won a state championship
Path to the Final
Verona has put on its rally caps over the last three games to clinch a spot in its first state championship game. The Hillbillies knocked off defending Group 1 champion Mountain Lakes in the semifinals of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1, scoring a 2-1 overtime victory on sophomore Ally Romanyshyn’s golden goal. In the sectional final, Verona rallied from a one-goal deficit entering the second half against Glen Ridge. Sophomore Emma Smith and junior Marley McDevitt each found the back of the net during the second half to help Verona capture its second sectional championship in program history. Second-half magic continued for the Hillbillies against Pequannock in the Group 1 semifinals on Wednesday. After the Panthers took a 1-0 lead early in the second half, Verona rallied with two goals during the final 12 minutes of play to keep its season alive. McDevitt tallied the game-tying goal in the 69th minute, which was followed up by senior Emerson Garrett’s go-ahead score in the 76th minute that propelled Verona to a 2-1 victory and into the Group 1 final.
Shore won 7-1 over New Egypt in the first round of the Central, Group 1 tournament as senior Megan Kelly and freshman Mia Painchaud each scored twice to break open a 1-1 game at halftime. The Blue Devils topped Roselle Park 4-1 in the quarterfinals behind two goals from senior Ava Coyle and three assists from senior Tori Spadavecchia. Coyle, Spadavecchia and senior Jenna Eichenbaum had one goal and one assist each as Shore shut out Delaware Valley 3-0 in the semifinals. In the sectional final, Eichenbaum erupted for four goals and Kelly added another in a 5-3 win over Point Pleasant Beach that gave the Blue Devils their first sectional title since 2021. Shore returned to the state final by defeating Haddon Township 7-6 in penalty kicks after a scoreless draw. Tilton made nine saves, including two during the shootout, and Painchaud delivered the winning PK to send the Blue Devils to Franklin High School.
Players to Watch
Shore starters and key reserves
GK-Sydney Tilton, Fr.; D-Gabby Garofalo, Jr.; D-Aubrey Guinta, So.; D-Meredith Doehner, Jr.; DM-Teagen Waters, So.; M-Devon Shiavo, Sr.; M-Megan Kelly, Sr.; M-Mia Painchaud, Fr.; M-Tori Spadavecchia, Sr.; F-Ava Coyle, Sr.; F-Jenna Eichenbaum, Sr.; M-Julie Molnar, Fr.; F-Emily Coyle, Fr.; F-Emma Schottlander, Jr.
Verona starters and key reserves
GK-Molly Daggs, Jr.; Ella Prieto, Fr.; Ella O’Donnell, So.; Ally Romanyshyn, So.; Natalia Ross, So.; Maddie Scott, So.; Emma Smith, So.; Marley McDevitt, Jr.; Molly Mutovic, Jr.; Emerson Garrett, Sr.; Noella Newman, Sr.
Shore wins if
Shore has been on fire in the second half of the season, winning 10 of its last 11 games as it looks to finish another state championship run. The five-time Group 1 state champions are coming off a white-knuckle 7-6 win over Haddon Township in penalty kicks to advance to the state final for the first time since 2021. The Blue Devils have been adept at both scoring and preventing goals during the state tournament, boasting a plus-14 goal differential (19 goals for, 5 against). The latter statistic holds more weight entering the state final, where one goal often ends up being enough to decide the game. Shore’s defense has been lights-out in the playoffs, especially in the last three games. After a shutout win in the sectional semifinals, Shore did a great job neutralizing Point Pleasant Beach senior Baileigh Johnson and junior Katie Kirchner on its way to a 5-3 win to claim the Central, Group 1 sectional crown. The Blue Devils led 4-0 with under 10 minutes left in the game, so the defense did its job when the result was still hanging in the balance. In the state semifinals, Shore played Haddon Township to a scoreless draw before winning in penalty kicks. Freshman goalkeeper Sydney Tilton was outstanding against Haddon Township with two saves in the shootout and a game-saving stop early in the first half. Junior defenders Gabby Farofalo and Meredith Doehner, sophomore defender Aubrey Guinta and sophomore defensive center midfielder Teagan Waters have been solid all tournament. They will need to deliver another sturdy effort to slow down a strong Verona offense. Offensively, Shore will go as far as its seniors take them. Forwards Jenna Eichenbaum and Ava Coyle and midfielders Tori Spadavecchia and Megan Kelly have led the Blue Devils all season and have raised their collective efforts in the state tournament.
Verona wins if
If there is one thing Verona does well, it’s finding the back of the net. Verona has tallied 18 goals during the state playoffs and has seen its goals come from a variety of different players. The sophomore duo of Natalia Ross (17 goals and 8 assists) and Ella O’Donnell (10 goals and 10 assists) lead the Verona offensive attack. Garrett, McDevitt, Romanyshyn and Smith have all proven during the postseason that they’re each dangerous scoring weapons at head coach Ted Niziolek’s disposal for Verona. The Hillbillies’ resilience is another factor Shore can’t overestimate on Sunday. Even when they are down, Verona has shown time and time again this postseason that they aren’t out of any game. They’re also battle tested, playing in a tough Super Essex Conference and having competitive losses this season against state-ranked Mount St. Dominic and Livingston.
When Verona has gone up against Group 1 opponents this fall on the pitch, it hasn’t lost. Verona is a perfect 10-0 this season against Group 1 opponents. Another tally in that category on Sunday will send the Hillbillies to history.
Predictions
Gould’s pick: Verona 1, Shore 0.
Badders’ pick: Shore 3, Verona 2.
Bassin’s pick: Verona 2, Shore 1.
Bove’s pick: Verona 2, Shore 1.
Girls Soccer