Ten minutes into the crosstown game at Rye Country Day April 25, the rain started. But it only rained on Holy Child’s parade, as Rye Country Day beat their rivals 14-10.
By Melanie Cane
Ten minutes into the crosstown game at Rye Country Day April 25, the rain started. But it only rained on Holy Child’s parade, as Rye Country Day beat their rivals 14-10.
The game started off fast-paced, with the teams playing evenly until the last minute of the first half. With the Wildcats leading by one in the last minute, Gryphon Maggie Welsh shot a ball off the pipe. Wildcat Emily Duarte grabbed the ball and made a fast break down the field, scoring with 54 seconds left. A mere 37 seconds later, Taylor Regan scored again, making it 7-4 game for the Wildcats at the break. In the first half, Stanford-bound junior Julia Massaro scored four times for the Wildcats, and Holy Child’s Julia Pfohl notched three.
Holy Child went into the second half knowing it would be tough to come back, but they maintained the mindset that they could still win. Both teams came out strong and Holy Child almost caught up with their rivals by slowing down the pace of the game and running their plays until they had a clear shot, but Rye Country Day played a much faster game and their offense really heated up towards the end of the game.
Massaro led the Wildcats with four goals and five assists, Zoe Verni scored three times, Duarte scored once and had three assists, and Taylor Regan scored once with two assists. Holy Child’s top scorer was Pfohl with four, followed by Welsh with two.
After the game, Holy Child Coach Charles Sliter said his team was disappointed with the loss, but he praised the girls for demonstrating great character and commitment. He singled out Julia Pfohl for continuing to have a breakout year, and Maggie Welsh for doing a great job captaining their offense. Of the rivalry, he said, “Rye Country Day is always a strong opponent and they are having a great season so far.”
Rye Country Day’s assistant coach Emily Kuchta, who took over the reigns for ailing head coach Georgette Summers in the game, said, “Going in, we knew that we had to bring our best game. Our strategy was to play our game — with composure. We struggled in the beginning, but once we warmed up we were able to get back on track.
“We were able to settle in the second half in the offensive end and move the ball around, making some great plays. Zoe had a wonderful game, as did Charlotte [Fleischman] and Julia. Marianna Lee and Ruby Aresty held our defense together.”
Duarte added, “Holy Child is one of our most difficult opponents and it was a great win for RCDS. We are currently undefeated, and it is due to our teamwork. Everyone from our defensive unit to attack is contributing, and it makes a huge difference.”
Rye Country Day is currently 8-0. They play Hamden Hall away May 3. Holy Child’s record is 7-3. They play Marymount at home May 2.
