SUMMIT - There would be no comeback this time for the Summit girls soccer team.
The Hilltoppers, which came back from an early one-goal deficit in its state first round game on Monday, fell behind once again Thursday afternoon, and suffered a 1-0 decision to Shore Regional in the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 2 tournament at Upper Tatlock Field.
"This is a tough loss," said Summit head coach Christine Bohan. "We had a great season, but unfortunately it ended today."
Shore (9-9-1), the 12th seed in the section, took a 1-0 lead when Jenna Cosentino served the ball to Chelsey Henderson, who scored in the 25th minute of the first half.
Summit (13-5-1), which was seeded fourth, looked to get the tying goal and had several chances in the second half.
Mary Kelly of Summit had a free kick from about 25 yards out and Stuart Humphrey was able to get a foot on it, but Shore goalie Tori DeScenza was right there to snuff out the scoring chance with just over 10 minutes left.
Another opportunity presented itself for Summit with just about six minutes remaining when Kelly got loose on the right flank and blasted a shot from about 12 yards away. Again, DeScenza, who finished with six saves, was there to make the save.
Summit's goalie, Liz Cassin finished with a game-high 10 saves, and helped keep her team's deficit to just one goal.
On Monday in the first round, Summit fell behind Matawan, 1-0, in the first 38 seconds, but was able to tie the score on a goal by Kelly Osmulski in the 21st minute. Summit eventually prevailed when it took the lead on an own goal with 10 minutes remaining in the second half.
"Shore did a really good job of anticipating our passes," said Bohan. "We had some chances but just couldn't finish."
Osmulski, Kate Martino, Kelly, Humphrey and captain Caroline Welch were standouts for Summit in the game, but Bohan was quick to point one other player.
"Emily Rojas had a broken arm, but she wanted to play so badly," said Bohan. "She made sure she had a doctor's note and did everything she had to do to play today."
Summit finished its 2009 season with a 12-4-1 record.
"I told them that they had a great season," said Bohan. "Its unfortunate that the year ends like this especially for the seniors, but hopefully the players that will return will come back ready to play hard."
The Summit Men's and Women's Alumni Soccer Game, to benefit the Adrienne Reid Memorial Fund, will be held on Saturday, November 28 at Upper Tatlock Field from 12 to 3 p.m. Donations can be made to: Summit Area Public Foundation; Attn. Adrienne Reid Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 867, Summit, N.J. 07902-0867.
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