No one on the field was going to let the humid heat impact their desire to win. Woodland Girls’ Soccer stormed the field September 15th, clearly determined, focused, and prepared to win.
The first half of the game was a nail-biter. Both teams wanted the win badly, and were not afraid to fight for it. Every Hawk on the field was working hard to ensure the team would take away the win.
Goalie Jenna Pannone made a staggering six saves during the first half. The defense was working together, concisely and quickly, focused on keeping the Crusaders away from the net. Offensive players sprinted up and down the field, attempting to save some energy for the second half, while still playing tirelessly.
Woodland scored the first goal, a beautiful shot by Sonia Sousa, but their lead was quickly diminished when Holy Cross scored quickly afterward. Julia Casimiro, a promising freshman, scored Woodland’s second goal. Soon after, Holy Cross scored and the score was tied at 2-2.
At halftime, the uncertainty in the air was palpable. There was no way of knowing which way the game would end. When the Hawks returned from halftime, it was evident they were rested and more than ready to play their absolute hardest for the remainder of the intense game. After all, only one good shot stood between them and their goal (literally and figuratively.)
In the end, it was not one good shot, but two that would make the Hawks walk off the field victorious.
Jess Rodrigues shot the goal that broke the tie. Her first shot at the goal was deflected by Holy Cross’ goalie. You could hear the unanimous sigh from the Woodland bench. However, Rodrigues noticed a crucial detail before anyone else: the ball was still in play. Acting on her quick instincts, Rodrigues kicked the ball a second time, this time making it into the goal. Woodland erupted into cheers, but were cautious not to celebrate too much. There was still plenty of time left on the clock, and, if the game followed the same pattern it had been going by, a Holy Cross goal was not too far off.
Ultimately, the incredible teamwork showcased by Woodland prevented Holy Cross from scoring another goal in the second half. It is clear, when watching the girls, that they are truly a team that functions like the ideal team should, as a cohesive unit.
The girls’ bond became apparent when Megen Sirowich, who had been unfaltering the entire game, scored Woodland’s fourth goal. Several of Sirowich’s teammates immediately bombard her with a hug and loud cheers.
Despite their joy about the game, the Hawks did not let the two goals affect their game-play, and they continued to defend their goal relentlessly, until they were officially victorious.
Visit the link below to view the Woodland Girl’s Varsity Soccer Schedule: http://stats.ciacsports.com/cgi-bin/schedule-1415.cgi?school=Woodland&fonts=&heads=&sport=girls-soccer&levels=V&combine_time_results=1&show_bus_info=1
Tina is the Executive Social Media Director, and in charge of managing Hawk Headlines. She has spent three full semesters here, and is heavily involved with theater. Tina describes herself as a "pop culture aficionado".
