Anthony Serini scored three goals as 10th-seeded Holmdel defeated seventh-seeded Somerville, 8-1, in the first round of the North, Group 2 tournament in Somerville.
Holmdel (8-9) dominated from the start, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The victory extends Holmdel’s streak to six straight years with at least one state tournament win.
Finnegan Buchan led all scorers with five points, tallying two goals and three assists for Holmdel. Brian Volpe added two goals and one assist, while Serini’s hat trick rounded out the offensive attack.
Jack Powers controlled the face-off circle for Holmdel, winning 8 of 12 draws for a 67% success rate. The dominant possession game helped Holmdel maintain control throughout the contest.
Holmdel’s defense was equally impressive, with goalkeeper Jack Tiller making five saves while allowing just a single fourth-quarter goal to Somerville (6-10).
Holmdel outscored Somerville in every quarter, adding one goal in both the second and third periods before finishing with two more in the fourth quarter.
With the win, Holmdel advances to the quarterfinals where they will face second-seeded West Morris.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
