By Melanie Cane
Coach Georgette Summers said, “Hackley is considerably faster than us, and they came out strong in the earlier matchup. We took 27 corners in that game and did not capitalize on one.”
Another cause for concern going into the championship game was the intense pressure the juniors were under to “Defend the Tradition.” The team is comprised of one senior, Allie Conn, who was injured, 11 juniors, seven sophomores, and two freshmen.
Having spent the time since the first contest against the Hornets working on corner execution and adapting to changes in their line-up, the team more than rose to the challenge. The fruit of their labors was evident from their first possession until the final whistle.
In the first half, the Wildcats scored three goals and had eight shots on goal. Yana Lee scored the first goal with 18:48 unassisted. Duarte caged two, the first at 13:42 and the second at 1:33. The Hornets did not have any shots on goal.
In the second half, Duarte continued where she left off, scoring seven minutes into the half. Charlotte Cooper, one of the most versatile players on the team (she plays both defense and offense), scored the fifth goal on a perfectly executed penalty stroke at 21:50. Keeper Emma Santucci had five saves. Duarte made scoring look easy, but she said that was not the case. “Hackley’s defense was very skilled, but we were able to move the ball well and set each other up to score. Our passing was the key, as it split Hackley’s defense, giving us our opportunities.”
Duarte summed up what the whole team was feeling. “Winning once is great, winning twice is even better, but winning three times is unbelievable. Three championships in three years for our junior class is truly special.”
Before the championship game, Coach Summers read the team an inspiring quote: “Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it.”
With the entire team returning next season, can you say “Four-peat?!”
The artificial turf and drainage installation will transform an 82,000-square-foot athletic field on 6.75 acres…
The Rye Record is looking for a talented advertising sales director.
Bess June was unambiguous in communicating her unconditional love to her husband, their children and…
The new owner of G. Griffin Wine & Spirits plans to continue the business as…
County Executive George Latimer maintains a substantial fundraising lead over his Democratic primary opponent --…
If you live in the Rye City School District, you may find just what you…