Barnegat Girls Soccer Goal: Run at Division Title

In only her second season as the head coach of the Barnegat girls varsity soccer team, Mary Hrycenko believes her girls have the potential they need to win the B-South division title this year.

Last season, the Bengals finished with a record of 7-11-1, but Hrycenko said they made great strides through the season — evident in a tie with then-unbeaten Brick Township.

“We should compete for the B-South,” said Hrycenko, “We are very strong defensively and have a lot of returners. We just need to find the net on a more consistent basis.”

Back is sophomore Stephanie Kostka, a goalkeeper who started last year on the varsity level as a freshman. “Vastly improved,” said Hrycenko. "Learned a lot from last year.”

The Bengals backbone will be outside of the net as they return all four starters and three, four-year varsity players will roam.

Seniors Lauren Spain, Dani Chiarella, and Alexis Corbett will be relied on to limit opportunities by the opposition. Spain may be the most talented as she has already committed to play at Kean next fall. Chiarella is the most versatile and is a heart and soul player of the team, noted Hrycenko. Corbett will be the top marker on set pieces such as corners and free kicks, covering the other teams top scoring threats. Junior Bethany Cunningham is back, as well. Hrycenko mentioned Cunningham is another marking back who can make good reads. Fellow Junior Erin Frank will use her speed as her best asset as sweeper.

Four-year varsity midfielder Sandra DiGrazio will be one of two true midfielders, with sophomore Phyllicia Matusz. The rest of the midfielders will see time at forward, as well. Juniors Laura Nelson and Stephanie Cotton appear to be the top scoring threats for the Bengals. Nelson is a hard-working forward who possesses the Bengals best aerial attack while Cotton is a tenacious natural lefty. Barnegat is still evaluating senior newcomer Stacey Michal and the potential impact she could create at forward. Another option for Hrycenko is the speedy junior Samantha Alvarez who was hurt all of last year.

Two big games for the Bengals will take place in early October at home. Four days apart, Barnegat will take on division foes Brick Township and Central Regional.

“Both of these games could determine the B-South champion,” said Hrycenko.