By Olivia Almeida, Staff Writer and Sophia Hegel, Staff Writer

Senior Morgan F. prepares for a throw-in during the Monarchs’ game against Monmouth Regional on Sept. 23. (Photo by Morgan Kogan)

The varsity soccer team finished its season with a record of 8-6-1. Under the leadership of new head coach Fausto Klinger, assistant coach Adrianna Tacopino and senior captains Morgan Feiler, Colleen Kelly and Maggie Ward, the 22nd-seed Monarchs advanced to the second round of the Shore Conference Tournament for the first time in program history after upsetting 11th-seed Brick Township High School.

Klinger brought new ideas to the table, most notably a new field formation. This was comprised of four defensive players, two center midfielders and three forwards. 

“Coach Klinger was very encouraging,” junior Vienna Chafart said. “[The] seniors remained positive and tried their hardest to keep the rest of the team encouraged and motivated.” 

The Monarchs played Brick Township in the Shore Conference Tournament on Oct. 8. Although they were the lower seed, the Monarchs secured the 2-1 victory with goals from Ward and Kelly. The team advanced to the second round of the tournament, where it lost to 6th-seeded Shore Regional 3-0. 

Junior Isabel G. and senior Colleen K. take the field against Monmouth Regional on Sept. 23. (Photo by Morgan Kogan)

“I think we had a really great season with so many accomplishments,” Ward said. “We more than doubled the number of goals we scored last year, which was incredible, and we won our first ever Shore Conference tournament game.” 

In addition to the SCT win, the team celebrated wins against competitive teams, such as Point Pleasant Beach, as well as a 12-1 dominant victory over Mater Dei. 

Although the team had hoped to repeat its success from last year in the NJSIAA Tournament, where it advanced to the final, it lost to 7th-seeded Holy Cross Prep as the 10th seed in the first round of the tournament. 

“As sad as I am to leave the team, I know I am leaving the girls in capable hands with Coach Klinger,” Kelly said. “There is so much potential for this team, and I am very excited to follow them and keep in touch next season as they celebrate more accomplishments.”