Noble’s Two Goals Power Trinity Hall Past Wall, Into SCT Semifinals
OCEANPORT — Trinity Hall and Wall have developed a postseason rivalry in recent years, and Saturday’s Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinal marked another chapter in their growing history.
Meeting for the sixth time since 2021, the Monarchs evened the series with a convincing 4-0 victory over 12th-seeded Wall, advancing to the SCT semifinals for the second consecutive season. Trinity Hall will face ninth-seeded Central on Tuesday in a rematch of the last two tournament meetings between the teams, both of which were decided by penalty-kick shootouts.
Known for their defensive strength, the Monarchs demonstrated that they can be just as dangerous offensively, with sophomore Anna Noble scoring twice in the first half to set the tone for a dominant performance.
Anan Noble finished with 2 goals and 1 assist against Wall in the SCT Quarterfinal Round. 10/17/26 (Photo by Doug Phillips/Framegrabs)
Noble opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a corner kick from Kaylee Davis was cleared just outside the penalty area. Noble collected the loose ball and unleashed a shot that sailed into the far post, giving Trinity Hall an early advantage.
She struck again with just seven seconds remaining in the first half, converting a similar opportunity off an assist from sophomore Bette Kane to send the Monarchs into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
“She’s (Noble) is a player that will run through a brick wall for you,” Trinity Hall head coach Patrick Trombetta said. “She never stops working and she is the hardest worker on the team. Those goals are not a surprise to me.”
Senior Eva Shaughnessy added Trinity Hall’s third goal before Noble returned the favor to Kane, assisting on her goal in the 76th minute to cap the scoring in the 4-0 victory. Kane, who leads the Monarchs with eight goals and seven assists this season, continued to provide a dangerous attacking presence.
“This was a really good team and we knew that they were strong,” Noble said. “We needed to come out and defend well and connect our passes, keeping the ball on the ground. We have been struggling to score lately, but this game proves that we are a great team.”
While Noble provided the offensive spark, Trinity Hall’s defense ensured Wall never found a way back into the contest.
Sloane Biggie marking Megan Farrell (left) in the SCT Quarterfinal round. 10/17/26 (Photo by Doug Phillips/Framegrabs)
The Monarchs controlled the game defensively, limiting the Crimson Knights’ opportunities and preventing them from establishing any sustained attacking pressure. Even as Wall pushed forward in the second half, Trinity Hall remained organized, consistently closing down space and blocking attempts before they could reach the goal.
“We defended as a core unit and not just our back four,” Trombetta said. “ I think our holding mids, Sienna Parker and as well as our outside mids, Quinn Knichi, Eva Shaughnessy and Anna Noble all did a great job. We defended as a unit today.”
A key figure in that defensive effort has been senior Grace Greene, whose return to the back line this season has helped Trinity Hall establish one of the Shore Conference’s stingiest defenses.
Greene began her high school career as a defender before moving into the midfield last season. Her transition back to defense this fall has provided stability and leadership for a Monarchs unit that has now recorded 10 shutouts.
Grace Greene playing against Wall in the SCT Quarterfinal Round. 10/17/26 (Photo by Doug Phillips/Framegrabs)
“She’s (Greene) is awesome and such an amazing leader,” Noble said. “Her communication is awesome and she leads us through every game. She is the reason our back line stays together. Every single game she is consistent and she helps the underclassmen which makes us all feel so comfortable.”
Saturday’s victory represents another milestone for a Trinity Hall program that has transformed itself into a consistent postseason contender.
A year ago, the 10th-seeded Monarchs made program history by reaching the SCT championship game for the first time, putting together an impressive run that included victories over several of the Shore Conference’s top teams.
That journey featured a 1-0 victory over Wall in the second round, followed by an upset of second-seeded Central in a penalty-kick shootout in the quarterfinals.
Despite losing several key contributors from that historic team, Trinity Hall has maintained its postseason success, returning to the final four with a retooled roster that continues to build on the program’s recent accomplishments.
“You know up until last year we did not get past the second round in the tournament,” Trombetta said. “Last year we made it to the finals, and we had a repeat performance by making it to the final four today. I cannot say enough about this program and this group. We lost half our starters this year, but the girls believe in themselves, and we have a strong core coming back.”
With another semifinal appearance secured, the Monarchs now turn their attention to Central and an opportunity to reach the SCT championship game for the second straight season.
After two consecutive tournament meetings decided by penalty kicks, Trinity Hall and Central will renew their postseason rivalry with another trip to the final on the line.
