With the regular season wrapped up, the JCHS varsity soccer teams have shown resilience, skill, and an undeniable drive to win. Both teams ended strong, securing their spots in the NJSIAA Tournament and aiming to make a deep run in states.
The girls’ varsity team, finishing with a 10-8 record, displayed their strength with an impressive six-game win streak early in the season. However, they faced a challenging five-game losing streak before bouncing back to dominate their division with a perfect 5-0 record. Led by senior co-captain Juliana Procopio, who had an exceptional season, the girls’ team proved to be a formidable force. Procopio not only reached an impressive career milestone of 100 points but also netted 25 goals this season. Another offensive standout was Mia Rodriguez, who contributed 9 goals, bolstering the team’s firepower.
“As a senior and co-captain, I really credit a lot of our success this season to the dedication and fresh perspective brought in by our coaching staff,” said Avery Molinaro. “Head Coach, Kelli Fernicola and Assistant Coach, Phoebe Bledsoe, along with three new coaches—Coach Bambrick, Emily Blankenship, and Victoria Rebimbas, who are all past players at JCHS—have completely transformed the team dynamic. They’ve brought not only knowledge and strategy but also a real passion for the game that’s inspired all of us. It’s special to have an all-female coaching staff, each of them JCHS alumni, guiding us with their experience and commitment. Their influence has pushed us to new heights, and I truly believe it’s made all the difference this season.”
Their first state match against Somerville, held on Nov. 4 at Bonnel, was an intense showdown. Although the girls fought hard, they conceded two goals in the first half. Procopio responded with a goal of her own, tightening the score to 2-1 by halftime, known to be the most dangerous lead in soccer. Somerville managed to pull ahead again to 3-1, but with only a few minutes remaining, sophomore Gabby Moyano scored, closing the game at a narrow 3-2 loss. Reflecting on the team’s approach to the high-stakes game, Procopio emphasized their mentality: “Stay focused, come out strong, and maintain that strength for the full 80 minutes. As a team, we want to go far, and we know that in order to do that, we need to be strong and work together.” Junior Ava Tsettos praised freshman Viv Tolchin for stepping up during key moments throughout the season. “Viv showed her skills with her fast footwork and ability to create steals under pressure,” Tsettos said. “These moments helped us win many mental and physical battles.”
The boys’ varsity team finished the season with a 6-9-4 record, also clinching their division title. Their first-round state match against Hackettstown, played at Hackettstown on November 5th, turned into a heart-stopping battle. Senior co-captain Joe Ginnetta led by example, scoring two goals in the first half and giving the boys a 2-0 lead at halftime. Hackettstown answered back, scoring once on a breakaway and then equalizing the game with a penalty kick, bringing the score to 2-2. This sent the teams into golden goal overtime, where Hackettstown managed to score early, taking the game and ending the boys’ state run. Throughout the season, senior Brodie Cook was the boys’ leading scorer, netting 13 goals, while Luca Catizone tallied 9 assists, adding to the team’s offensive strength.
Despite the outcomes in states, both teams showcased a season filled with unforgettable moments, determination, and teamwork. They leave a legacy of hard-fought victories, team spirit, and memories, and they look ahead with high expectations for the seasons to come.
