PARK RIDGE – At the start of the soccer season, Dana DiBella said she was “nervous” and “a little intimidated.”
The smallish freshman was a Park Ridge newbie and struggling to fit in.
“I’d never played with older girls before,” DiBella said. “I’d mess up sometimes and think, ‘Oh … I’m not as good as them.’ ”
On Tuesday, DiBella was as good as anyone on the field as she led the Owls to a 4-1 victory over Emerson in the North 1, Group 1 semifinals. DiBella was the match’s standout performer, as she scored one goal and assisted on two others.
Top-seeded Park Ridge is seeking its first sectional crown since 2006 and will host No. 3 Kinnelon in Friday’s final.
“Starting out the season, Dana was a little timid,” Park Ridge coach Molly Jaffe said. “It’s been awesome, watching her improve every single game, and it all came together today.
“She’s really come out of her shell.”
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-soccer/frosh-propels-park-ridge-1.1689676
