Coming off two-week layoff, Marlboro pushed the fifth-ranked team in the state to the brink, but St. Peter's Prep closed Thursday's game like a state power should.
After coming painfully close to the program's first NJSIAA sectional championship, Marlboro returns a loaded lineup that will be among the Shore's best over the next two years.
Short two key contributors and with two more just getting over the flu, Marlboro hung tough against rival Manalapan and advanced to the SCT quarterfinals.