South Hunterdon’s first-ever appearance in a Group I sectional championship wasn’t a memorable one, but the Eagles certainly took a major step to solidify their future.
Bound Brook scored a pair of goals in the opening half and took control as they rolled to a 6-1 victory Nov. 8.
However, South Hunterdon made major strides and it has established a solid program for the future.
The loss left the Eagles with an overall 17-5 record, including eight consecutive wins before their season-ending defeat. They blanked Riverside, 6-0, in the first round, and they then registered impressive one-goal victories over New Egypt (2-1) and Manville (2-1 in OT).
After they dropped two of their first three games, South Hunterdon reeled off a seven-game winning streak to help the Eagles on their way to the Skyland Conference’s Mountain Division title.
Over the last two previous seasons, South Hunterdon lost in the opening round of the tournament.
Senior Conlan Paventi, who is a St. John’s recruit, scored the Eagles’ lone goal. He finished the season with 45 goals and was part of a senior class that helped post an overall 36-24-3 mark over the last four seasons.
Head coach Dan McMillan, who finished his fourth season at the helm, will welcome back the majority of his club next season, losing only six seniors from this year’s club.
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