Glen Rock's Hannah Petrone, left, keeps the ball away from Kinnelon's Ida DiClemente in the North 1, Group 2 state semifinals. Petrone's overtime goal gave the Panthers a 2-1 victory.




One of the most hotly-contested rivalries in the North 1, Group 2 girls state soccer tournament in recent years has been between Glen Rock and Kinnelon.


The top-seeded Lady Panthers and the fourth-seeded Colts met for the fourth straight season on Nov. 15, and Glen Rock emerged a 2-1 winner in overtime in the semifinal contest Nov. 15.


The current Panther seniors enjoy a 4-0 record against Kinnelon in their careers, winning on penalty kicks their freshmen and sophomore seasons and 1-0 last year. Glen Rock coach Tracy Trobiano called it “an impressive feat against a strong program and strong team.” There are 12 seniors on Glen Rock’s squad.


Glen Rock upped its record to 20-1, the only loss to county-tournament champion Northern Highlands, and was set to play Ramsey in the title game for the second straight season. Ramsey went on to win the Group 2 state championship a year ago. Kinnelon finished with a 12-6-2 record.


Hannah Petrone’s 23rd goal of the season was a golden-goal game winner seven minutes into overtime. She tallied on a headed assist from Grace Taylor in the 88th minute. Kinnelon scored first in the game, but Kendall Daly tied it 20 minutes into the second half, with Sophie Lederer assisting for the 22nd time.


Trobiano said a deep bench has been really important in her team’s move to the sectional final, giving her an opportunity to move her players in and out. Injuries have forced her to tweak her lineup.


The coach said Taylor has been the go-to person on the team and has played every position. She cited her unselfish attitude in playing where she is needed due to injuries. Normally a forward, she is the third-leading scorer on the team behind Lederer and Petrone.


An injury has moved Sarah Fiorino from her sweeper post, and Emily Rogan has performed well at sweeper. Maggie Egan and Lynn Giannantonio slowed down the Kinnelon forwards with their play at marking backs. Fiorino and sophomore Caitlin Callahan come from midfield to help out on defense.


Kendall Daly had played on defense but moved to forward to compensate for injuries.


The Panthers, NJIC Colonial Division champions, racked up 107 goals in 21 games, yielding just 12.


Jim Jones’ e-mail address is jonesji@northjersey.com


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