The girls felt a little anxious heading into the contest against Taft on Saturday, perhaps due to the fact that it had been awhile since we won a game outright, perhaps due to the general exhaustion factor (it had been a long week!), perhaps because we had just two girls on the bench who weren’t completely healthy—not to mention a few starters also not completely healthy. But, in our favor, we did have a full complement of parents and family eager to cheer us on! So the girls turned whatever pre-game trepidation they may have felt into a point of strength, fought hard, played together, and came away with a win.
Several minutes into the game, amidst a scrum in front of the cage, middie Emma Jaskolski ’20 (back on the field after a few days on the injury list) popped the ball in, giving us a much-needed early boost. (How often do we say an early goal can bolster confidence and energy?!) The girls gathered steam and didn’t waiver even after Taft (physical, numerous, aggressive) tied up the game. Then, with perfect placement and timing, forward Dom Whitney ’19 scored on a beautiful lift, right to left, which zipped by the goalie—surprising herself and energizing the team. (Most euphoric post-goal celebration to date!) It was one of those goals that affirms the efficacy of practice. That move worked!
Captain Niyafa Boucher ’18 made many clutch saves in the face of Taft’s break-away after break-away, well-supported by sweep Lily Faucett ’20. In fact, in our post-game gathering, the entire defense earned multiple individual shout-outs. Forward Renée Ballou ’20 also earned kudos from her teammates, having executed some really effective passing up the field on attack, while Forward Jada Howard ’19 also did a great job moving the ball up the field. Captain Emmeline Flagg ’17, sidelined and on the injured list, also garnered praise from teammates for her unceasing support and generally relentless positivity.
What a day! The girls felt good for having worked so hard together, for never giving up, for supporting each other so well, and for playing so well as a team—something we seem to be doing better and better each game. Well done!