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Sports

Around the Point: Boys Varsity Weekly Sports Roundup

Point Borough & Point Beach boys soccer squads off to fast starts in 2011.

After the first week and a half of action in the autumn slate of the 2011 High School season, both Point Borough and Point Beach High Schools' Boys Soccer programs are off to tremendous starts.

Although Point Borough suffered a tough 1-0 loss to Manasquan on Wednesday afternoon, the Panthers are still off to a 2-1 start after season opening wins against Brick and Monsignor Donovan High Schools.

Despite losing six key players from last season, Point Borough has received contributions from many of its younger players who worked their way up from the Junior Varsity team.

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“The learning curve for our guys from the Junior Varsity is going to be a big factor in how successful we are this season,” said Point Borough head coach Pete Casalino. “The difference in the speed and skill of the game from the JV to the Varsity is enormous. Our younger guys are putting in the effort. I just hope that they continue to improve and get better throughout the season.”

The Panthers will get set to take on Toms River South High School at 10 a.m. Saturday, and then will prepare for tests against Toms River East and divisional foe Wall next week.

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“We’re pleased to be 2-1, but we know there are more tough games ahead of us,” said Casalino. “As long as we continue to take it one play and one game at a time, we’ll be all right.”

Down the beach, the Garnett Gulls started the season on a very positive note after a 4-3 win over rival St. Rose on Tuesday afternoon.

The Gulls knotted four first half goals against the Purple Roses, which was the difference in Point Beach’s first victory of the season.

Junior Nick Kaifais started his season off on the right foot, with two first-half goals, which were instrumental in the victory.

Point Beach survived a three goal second half by St. Rose, but held off their rivals for their first victory of the season.

Despite a 2-0 defeat to Shore Regional High School on Thursday afternoon, the Garnett Gulls' soccer squad appears poised to be in the mix for the Class B Central division title.

Next week the Gulls have four games, three of which are against divisional foes Mater Dei, Asbury Park and a rematch with the Purple Roses that will go a long way in determining whether Point Beach will be in the mix for a divisional title.

On the gridiron this week, Point Borough will look to even its record at 1-1 tonight against Holmdel High School. Point Beach has the week off before they get set for a tough test against Asbury Park. 

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