Holmdel’s Senior Core Leads Hornets Past Manasquan in Shore Conference Tournament
As the Shore Conference Tournament enters its later stages and championship hopes begin to crystallize, Holmdel once again showed why its veteran core remains one of the conference’s most dangerous postseason teams.
On Thursday afternoon, the Hornets secured a quarterfinal victory over fellow top contender Manasquan, defeating the fifth-seeded Warriors, 10–7, behind balanced offensive production, defensive toughness, and the kind of chemistry that only years of playing together can produce.
With the win, Holmdel moves on to another big-time matchup, a rematch against top-seeded CBA.
“Honestly, I give all credit to my teammates,” senior attacker Finn Buchan said. “The chemistry’s off the charts. We’ve been playing together since third grade. We just love playing with each other.”
That chemistry was evident from the opening whistle.
Holmdel’s Finn Buchan (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
Holmdel established control early, building a 4–2 first-quarter lead behind goals from junior attacker James Esposito, senior midfielder Marcus Cermele, senior midfielder Jack Cannon, and Buchan. Against a dangerous Manasquan squad loaded with offensive talent, the Hornets’ versatility immediately stood out.
But the Warriors responded.
Manasquan shut out Holmdel in the second quarter, receiving goals from sophomore attacker Casey Mahoney and junior attacker Kieran Schneider to tie the game, 4–4, at halftime.
Manasquan’s Casey Mahoney (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
For Holmdel, however, halftime served as a reset rather than a setback.
“He told us it was a brand-new game, 0-0,” Buchan said of head coach Brendan Quinn’s message. “Just keep playing.”
The Hornets responded like an elite team.
Holmdel erupted for a decisive 5–1 third quarter, seizing full control of the game through crisp offensive execution, sharp ball movement, and physical dominance between the lines.
Cermele delivered two goals in the period, securing his third hat trick of the season, while junior attacker David Perrotti and sophomore midfielder Anthony Serini added crucial scores.
Holmdel’s Marcus Cermele (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
Though junior goalie MJ Femenella was spectacular for Manasquan with 20 saves, repeatedly preventing the game from becoming a blowout, Holmdel’s pressure eventually proved overwhelming.
Cannon once again served as the offensive catalyst, finishing with two goals and three assists while quarterbacking the Hornets’ attack with patience and precision.
“I just try to make the winning play,” Cannon said. “Drawing the slide, moving the ball, and trusting my teammates.”
Holmdel’s Jack Cannon (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
Cermele’s impact extended far beyond offense.
Tasked with helping contain Cornell-bound senior midfielder Jack O’Reilly—one of Manasquan’s most dangerous weapons—Cermele helped limit the standout to just one goal while also dominating ground ball battles.
“I just do whatever I need to do for the team,” Cermele said. “Coach trusts me on both ends.”
That trust has become foundational to Holmdel’s identity.
With one of the most experienced senior groups in program history, the Hornets continue to rely on their shared history, discipline, and leadership.
“Most of us have been playing together for a really long time,” Cermele said. “It’s really special.”
Defensively, senior goalie Jack Tiller anchored the back line with 10 saves while bringing relentless energy throughout the contest.
“Going back to freshman year, we never beat Manasquan until this season,” Tiller said. “So it felt awesome making big plays and eventually winning.”
Holmdel’s Jack Tiller (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
Senior defender Devan Behal emphasized the communication that has helped elevate Holmdel’s defense into one of the Shore’s best.
“It all starts with communication,” Behal said. “We trust one another.”
Now, Holmdel’s reward is another high-stakes opportunity.
The Hornets advance to face powerhouse CBA, with a chance to defeat the Colts once again and further solidify what is already shaping into one of the most memorable seasons in program history.
“We don’t like those guys. They don’t like us,” Cannon said. “It’s gonna be four quarters of good, chippy lacrosse.”
As the Shore Conference Tournament narrows, Holmdel is no longer simply surviving.
The Hornets are making serious noise.
And with their senior leadership, unmatched chemistry, and battle-tested confidence, they appear poised for an even bigger stage.
