By Lizzie Redmore and Emily Pomeroy
Staff Writers
After their 6-0 defeat of Scotia Glenville High school in the subregionals, the undefeated Jamesville-DeWitt High School Varsity Girls Soccer team is currently 20-0 in the 2014 season. They are ranked second in New York State for Class A behind first seed Sayville High School in Long Island.
In the past the Varsity Girls Soccer team hadn’t made it past the subregional game because of rival Burnt Hills High School. But the shockingly easy defeat over Scotia Glenville High School on Nov. 4 in the subregionals proves J-DHS’s Lady Rams are a force to be reckoned with. The six goals scored in the first half were a confidence booster for the the team. In only the third minute of the game Alex Catanzarite scored a relatively easy first goal. Goals by senior Amber Hyatt, sophomore Alex Epifani, junior Paige Sherling, freshmen Ali Durkin, and senior Caroline Kopp followed ensuring their lead and advancement to the next round.
So far, the team’s closest games were in sectionals. “I thought the road to this sectional championship was not easy,” says sophomore defender Sophia Dimkopolous, but she added, “It’s been awesome to be a part of such a successful team. We work hard for everything.”
The sectional championship was held at SUNY Cortland on Nov.1 against Marcellus High School. A quick first goal was fired past the Mustang goalie by Sherling in the third minute of the game. Again in the 19th minute, defender Kopp scored with a header off a corner kick from Erin Brinly. The girls won 2-0 with only one shot on goal from Marcellus.
The semi-final game was against the Whitesboro Warriors, who were easily defeated 4-1, compared to the girls’ previous game against CBA. Whitesboro didn’t have a chance against the No. 1 seeded Red Rams with Catanzarite netting a hat trick. Also a last minute goal goal scored by midfielder Elena Haarer to secure their victory. “It was exciting getting my first goal of the season in such a big game,” said Haarrer.
Their first quarterfinals sectional game against Christian Brothers Academy on Oct. 24 was a nail biter. After 80 minutes of regular game time it was tied, 0-0. After double overtime the score was still tied up, so came the penalty kicks to determine whom would move forward. The selection of Catanzarite, Kopp, senior defender Julia Slisz and Sherling to take the penalty kicks were clearly the right decision with all four shots scored to CBA’s solo goal. “I think this game was a good wake up call to us and made us want to work harder and improve,” said senior defender Rachel Redmore.
Head Coach Haley Nies has worked very hard to prepare for the big games, looking towards states since the start of the season. Coach Nies is hoping to go farther than usual this season, and is relying on her 10 experienced seniors to lead the way. “The players who have been on the team for four or five years know what to expect and raise the bar of competition,” said Coach Nies. She also has her team practice penalty kicks almost every practice just in case it comes down to pk’s to decide who advances to the next round. Coach Nies also scouts their opponents before the game to match up their best players.
The chemistry of the team has helped the team achieve this successful season. “Everyone is really close this year and we always hang out outside of practice, which helps us connect on the field,” said Slisz.
The team will be moving on in the competition for the regional title on Saturday, Nov. 8, against Massena High School at Ogdensburg Free Academy.