Sweet Revenge: Renna Scores Twice as Point Boro Takes Down Allentown to Reach Sectional Final

POINT PLEASANT — Point Boro waited 360 days for another opportunity to face Allentown, and the Panthers made the most of their chance at redemption.

Junior Maddie Renna scored twice in a six-minute span late in the second half as Point Boro shut out Allentown, 2-0, in the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals on Tuesday afternoon, avenging last season’s heartbreaking sectional championship loss to the Redbirds.

The victory sends the Panthers to their third consecutive Central Jersey Group 2 final, where they will host eighth-seeded Rumson-Fair Haven on Friday. The Bulldogs advanced with a 2-1 comeback victory over Ocean and defeated Point Boro, 2-0, in last year’s Shore Conference Tournament.

A year ago, Allentown denied Point Boro a second straight sectional championship with a 2-1 overtime victory in the final. This time, the Panthers made sure history would not repeat itself.

“We used the loss last year for motivation,” senior goalkeeper Stella Stevenson said. “We know that they beat us and it got in our heads last year. We wanted to make it up for the seniors last year and we just wanted to get back at them and get the win.”

After a sluggish start, Point Boro began to seize control late in the first half and carried that momentum into the second. Allentown goalkeeper Daniella DeCarlo kept the Panthers off the scoreboard with several outstanding saves, but Renna finally broke through with 14 minutes remaining.

Point Boro earned a free kick just outside the penalty area after Mia Thompson drew a foul, and Renna delivered a low strike past DeCarlo to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

“It was a golden opportunity to get a kick from that spot,” Renna said. “The goalie had a good read on it and I did not see any space to go near post. I decided to hit this far post, keep it low, stay over it and hit it hard. Great job by Mia (Thompson) for getting the foul and to get the opportunity.”

Six minutes later, Renna struck again. Senior Lia Connelly sent a ball into the box, and Renna beat the charging DeCarlo to it before finishing into the open net to double Point Boro’s advantage.

“The first goal gave us a huge boost on the offense,” Renna said. “We kept the ball in their half for almost the rest of the game. Getting the second goal solidified the game, but they were still coming back hard. They did not give up, but it was just a great win for us.”

Renna nearly completed a hat trick moments later, but DeCarlo turned away a shot headed toward the upper far corner. The Allentown goalkeeper followed with another diving stop on a well-placed Renna attempt, finishing with 11 saves.

“In a game like this, you are not going to get too many chances,” Point Boro head coach Mike Edolo said. “It is two very tough teams fighting for everything. When you get your set pieces, you have to make them count. It is something she (Renna) has been working on and you know, hard work pays off.”

While Renna supplied the offense, Stevenson and the Point Boro defense made sure Allentown never found an answer.

The Redbirds’ best scoring opportunity came just three minutes into the game when they worked the ball deep into the penalty area. Stevenson responded with a diving save to force a corner kick, setting the tone for another strong defensive performance. She finished with six saves to record her 11th shutout of the season.

“All season from her (Stevenson) she finds ways to make big saves in big moments,” Edolo said. “They had a little bit of momentum in the first half and losing Khloey (Cilento) before the game, we had to shift some things and we were a little disjointed. All year we have relied on Stella on making big saves, so I am not surprised she made another wonderful save.”

The Panthers were forced to adjust their defensive alignment after senior Khloey Cilento was ruled out with an injury suffered against Wall in the quarterfinals. Abby Crowell and sophomore Jules Collins helped fill the void, playing key roles in limiting Allentown standout Gabby Tate and preventing the Redbirds from generating consistent scoring opportunities.

“Abby (Crowell) played there last year and slid into the middle and Jules (Collins) was starting every game this year as a sophomore,” Edolo said. “For them to step in and into slightly different spots, they were able to get it done on her (Tate) and she is a solid player. It was all over the field and a collective effort.”

Another turning point came when junior Madison O’Connor entered off the bench and provided an immediate spark. Her energy and ability to possess the ball helped Point Boro establish its offensive rhythm and shift the momentum.

“Madison O’Connor coming and just digging, fighting and being there,” Edolo said. “She was 100% on the field mentally, emotionally, and clearly physically. It definitely was a thing that set us apart. I was able to shift Grace (Tansey) back to home and Maddie had somebody in front of her to play off of.”

O’Connor’s contributions carried an emotional significance for the Panthers. Her father, Stephen O’Connor, passed away on Oct. 28, and the team has rallied around her and her family. Green hearts displayed behind the home bench served as a tribute to the O’Connor family and a reminder of the bond shared by the players.

“Getting her (O’Connor) back onto the field gave us more offense,” Renna said. “She has the ability to hold the ball and find people. Seeing what she is going through and what her family is going through gives us a lot more motivation to play as hard as we can. We love her family so much.”

That closeness has long been a defining characteristic of Point Boro’s success. Many of the Panthers have played together since childhood, developing friendships and chemistry that have carried into their high school careers.

It was a major part of their run to the Group 2 state championship in 2024, and it remains a driving force as Point Boro pursues another title.

“Chemistry is more important than skill sets,” Stevenson said. “If we play well together and we all move together, we’re going to connect the passes and we are going to get the goals. We are all close off the field and it has always been like that. Our chemistry is very good and it’s been getting better and better as we understand each other’s playing styles.”

After falling one victory short of another sectional championship last season, the Panthers are back in familiar territory with an opportunity to reclaim the title on their home field.

This time, Point Boro hopes to finish the job.