Playing for Something Bigger: Red Bank Rolls Past Middletown South in State Tournament

MIDDLETOWN — Two weeks after one of the most devastating losses of its season, Red Bank got exactly what it wanted: another shot.

On Thursday evening, the Bucs traveled to Middletown South seeking revenge after their Shore Conference Tournament defeat. They left with much more than redemption, overwhelming the Eagles, 15–5, in the opening round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Group 3 State Tournament to extend their season and advance to the quarterfinals where they will meet top-seeded Chatham.

For a program still navigating the emotional aftermath of losing a fellow student just weeks earlier, the victory carried significance far beyond advancing in the state tournament.

“The kids on this team and the kids in our school have been through a lot the last couple weeks,” Red Bank head coach Tristan Farina said. “It’s been very emotional. They came out here, they played together, and they wanted this one so bad. We wanted to do it for Terry. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to the community, and it means a lot to these guys.”

The emotion was evident, but so was the focus.

Red Bank came out sharp from the opening whistle, building a 4–2 first-quarter lead behind two goals from senior midfielder Gabe Pape, along with scores from senior midfielder Nate Pelensky and sophomore attacker MJ Keating.

While Middletown South controlled stretches of possession early, the Bucs consistently found ways to create quality scoring opportunities, using their physicality between the lines and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns.

The Eagles briefly swung momentum back in their favor during the second quarter.

Senior midfielder Jackson O’Keefe scored twice to erase Red Bank’s lead and tie the game at four. For a moment, it appeared Middletown South might be poised to repeat the formula that earned itself a victory in the Shore Conference Tournament.

Instead, the Bucs delivered the game’s defining sequence.

Junior attacker Justin Valentino, sophomore attacker Ryder Kunkel, and Pape scored three unanswered goals to close the half, sending the Bucs into the break with a 7–4 advantage and all the momentum.

The second half belonged entirely to the visitors.

Red Bank erupted for six goals in the third quarter, turning a competitive game into a statement victory. Senior midfielder Ryan Deverin, Pelensky, and Pape all completed hat tricks during the surge, while freshman Nick Villani added a goal of his own as the Bucs repeatedly converted turnovers into scoring opportunities.

By the end of the quarter, the lead had ballooned to 13–5.

“The seniors mean everything,” Farina said. “Just the hard work they put in and the resiliency. It’s been a long season, they’re banged up, but they keep showing up and putting their heart into it. Then you see all the younger guys follow.”

Pape echoed that sentiment.

“Our seniors hold the team accountable,” he said. “We’ve gone through rough patches, and they’ve brought us together. Seeing all of them perform like that means so much.”

While the offense made headlines, Red Bank’s defensive effort may have been the most impressive aspect of the victory.

Facing a Middletown South attack led by freshman attacker Forrest Black and senior attacker Luke Gaffney, who recently scored his 100th career goal, the Bucs surrendered just five goals and consistently frustrated the Eagles’ offensive rhythm.

Senior goalie Owen Montgomery anchored the effort with 12 saves, while senior Nate Borenius, senior Bennett Lopez, sophomore long-stick midfielder CJ Koster, and senior Kaz Neice helped form a defensive unit that Farina believes can compete with anyone.

“It starts with our leaders back there,” Farina said. “They’re a unit. They communicate, they trust each other, and when they’re locked in, you can’t beat them. I think we have one of the best defenses in the Shore.”

Now comes an even greater challenge.

Awaiting Red Bank is top-seeded Chatham, the No. 4-ranked team in New Jersey and one of the state’s premier programs. On paper, the Cougars will be heavily favored. Farina wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The only time the loss is guaranteed is when you quit, and we don’t quit,” Farina said. “We’ve played top teams week in and week out. We’ve played Rumson, we’ve played CBA, we’ve played Westfield. We’re ready to compete.”

Pape shares that confidence.

“It’s going to take everything,” he said. “We know they’re a great team. We have to be locked in, have great practices, and make sure we’re giving them everything we’ve got.”

As the state tournament field continues to shrink, Red Bank is still standing.

The Bucs entered Thursday evening looking for revenge.

They left with something even more important.

Another game. Another opportunity. And another chance to continue playing for each other, for their community, and for Terry.