Koehler Erupts for Nine Goals as Donovan Catholic Defeats Long Branch on Senior Night

TOMS RIVER — Senior Day is always filled with emotion for players and coaches alike. It serves as both a celebration of the seniors and their accomplishments and a chance to reflect on the impact they’ve made on a program. Earning a victory on a day like that only makes the occasion more memorable, and Donovan Catholic did exactly that, defeating Long Branch, 13-11, in a high-tempo battle led by an elite performance from senior midfielder Maddie Koehler.

Koehler erupted for nine goals on Senior Night, delivering one of the most dominant offensive performances of the Shore Conference season while further cementing her legacy as one of the Griffins’ all-time greats.

Despite the final score, the game opened as a defensive struggle. Neither team found the back of the net for the first 4:28 before senior Gianna DelliSanti broke through, bouncing a shot past junior goalie Danna Ramirez to give Donovan Catholic an early lead. The score remained 1-0 until the final two minutes of the quarter, when senior Giana Anechiarico tied the game for Long Branch with 1:50 remaining.

Donovan quickly answered, however, as Koehler scored late in the period to give the Griffins a lead they would never relinquish.

The Griffins appeared poised to take control early in the second quarter when Koehler and sophomore Cailin Mundry scored within a 30-second span. Long Branch continued to battle back throughout the night, but Donovan consistently had an answer — and more often than not, that answer was Koehler.

The evening became a showcase for Donovan Catholic’s senior class, which has left a lasting mark on the program, including winning an Independence Division title in 2024 as sophomores. Although senior Morgan Poskey — who has scored more than 50 career goals — was unable to play because of injury, the remaining seniors stepped up in a major way. Mikayla Harbord contributed an assist, Dellisanti scored twice, Koehler poured in nine goals, and Kylie Degraff recorded 15 saves in net.

Dellisanti played with relentless energy throughout the game, forcing turnovers, scooping up ground balls, and scoring two goals.

“ Gianna is the Energizer Bunny; she just never stops,” said head coach Rick Meana. “She’s always involved in every play”.

Her performance was another chapter in an outstanding career that now includes 137 goals and more than 100 forced turnovers. Her development has been particularly impressive, considering she transitioned from attack to midfield when she entered high school.

“ I’m really proud of myself because of how much better my defense has gotten,” said Dellisanti.

“Gianna and I have grown so much together over these past four years,” said Koehler. “We have done a really good job of working together.”

“Gianna’s growth has been amazing to watch,” said Degraff.

Degraff’s journey has been equally remarkable. She did not begin playing goalie until high school, yet now sits just five saves shy of 600 for her career after another standout performance with 15 saves.

“Kylie’s a kid who, when I said we needed a goalie, did anyone want to play it? She said she’d try it,” said Coach Meana. “She’s worked so hard at it”.

Her confidence in the cage has become one of her defining traits.

“You have to have the confidence.” Degraff said, “I like to tell myself I got this.”

“Kylie just got thrown into the net, it’s amazing to see how far she’s come,” said Koehler.

Koehler, who is committed to play at Gardner-Webb University next year, once again demonstrated why she is one of the Shore Conference’s premier scorers. The senior midfielder’s nine-goal explosion pushed her career totals to 252 goals and 309 points while also adding to her impressive all-around numbers of 289 ground balls and 304 draw controls.

“ I don’t know how to describe what she’s able to do,” said coach Meana. “She’s just a magician, a stick magician.”

Her teammates credited not only her scoring ability, but also the chemistry she has built with the team over the years.

“ We show how well we work as a unit and how we can both score,” said Dellisanti.

“ We have gotten really close over the years. I’m sure I’ll watch her in college,” said Degraff.

The accomplishments and bond of the senior class clearly resonated with Meana, who became emotional discussing the group following the game.

“ These kids are unbelievable.”

The Griffins (9-5) return to action Friday against No. 6 Manasquan, while the Green Wave (9-5) travels to St. Rose on Wednesday.