Holy Child’s soccer season started off smoothly, with the Gryphons winning the first three games. Then it spiraled downward, with six consecutive losses due in large part to a myriad of injuries and tougher competition.

 

 

By Melanie Cane

 

Holy Child’s soccer season started off smoothly, with the Gryphons winning the first three games. Then it spiraled downward, with six consecutive losses due in large part to a myriad of injuries and tougher competition.

 

Despite a difficult few weeks, Coach Peter Haley said his squad continues to play all 80 minutes of every game with intensity and heart. “We haven’t been on the winning end, but we haven’t quit.” Case in point was Monday’s home match against Green Farms. Holy Cross lost 7-0, but the team never gave up or got down on themselves.

 

Because of recurring injuries early this season, the team has yet to play at full strength; Coach Haley has had to make multiple adjustments in field positions. These include starting freshman Kathleen Daly up front (Haley usually doesn’t start freshmen), moving junior Tanya Slipsage between back and midfield, and keeping careful watch over junior Catherine Stolberg, who plays very hard despite an ankle injury.

 

Players who have been healthy and tremendous assets to the team include Morgan Bryant, who leads in scoring, Caroline O’Neill, a very solid player who is the mainstay of the defense, and Maggie Welsh, center midfielder with a tremendous work ethic.

 

Coach Haley said he’s also very pleased with senior Maeve McGowan, a defensive midfielder, whom he calls a very significant member of the team.