Jan 06, 2022
Holmdel Girls’ Soccer Team Claims State Title on Kolbasovsky Goals
By Les Pierce
Juliana Kolbasovsky
Last year, the Holmdel girls’ soccer team drove through an undefeated season, reaching a 15-0 record after defeating Manchester in the Central East B State Sectional opening round. However, the quest for a state title was derailed by a COVID-19 event that ended the season for the Hornets.
Holmdel came right back in 2021. This time, the players went all the way, capturing the NJSIAA Group 2 State title on Nov. 21, via a 2-0 victory over Hanover Park in the tournament finale held at Kean University. It was the second group state championship in the program’s history, having previously achieved the feat in 2014.
Both goals in the finale were courtesy of Juliana Kolbasovsky. The first half ended in a scoreless tie. Then, less than three minutes into the second half, Kolbasovsky broke the ice on a low penalty shot just that got by goalkeeper Abigail Huang.
The senior later found the net on a header with nine minutes remaining in the contest. The set up pass came from Mia Giamanco, who posted her eighth assist of the 2021 campaign on the play.
Ironically, Kolbasovsky started the season playing as a defender. Later in the season, she was moved up field due to teammate injuries. She responded to Head Coach John Nacarlo’s confidence, scoring in every one of the final seven games of the season.
In fact, she became the squad’s clutch player in the late going. Kolbasovsky scored the winning goal in the 1-0 overtime win over Wall Township that claimed the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 2 Sectional championship, the first Hornet sectional championship in six years. She also scored two goals and was credited with an assist in Holmdel’s 4-2 victory over Haddonfield in the Group 2 semifinal.
