In it’s final game as a team after nine years together, the St. Aidan’s 8th grade girls’ soccer team captured its second title with a 4 to 0 win against a tough and higher-ranked opponent.
The defense led by the tenacious Adrienne Aidala and supported by Erin Sinkevitch, Erin Dormer, and Bailey Jex held the opponents to few attempts on goal. Chrissy Mavrakis was called into duty to cover the opponent’s tough right-side attack to keep their relentless attacks at bay. Kara Curley provided 60 minutes in goalie using her keen sense of space to control her box and provide support for the defense.
The center of the field, where the game was ultimately decided, was controlled by Lucia Piccirillo, Maliea Saccheri, Lauren Tavolacci, Ava Stanza and Samantha Vitale whose deft passing ensured they controlled the time of possession.
Leila Naraine, who played despite sustaining a serious injury the day before, stepped into the center of the field and played a big role in keeping the game under control for St. Aidan’s. Her performance through injury was motivational to her teammates.
Juliana Gillespie played up front and distributed the ball well to allow the team ample attempts at goal. Two first half goals by Ashley Dellolio (despite being heavily marked) and one by Lucia Piccirillo off a set cross by Ava Lucie (as she has done all season) put the champs ahead at halftime with three goals to none. The second half saw no let up from the champions as Samantha Scordo finished the scoring with a blast from 20 yards to the top right corner, which all but sealed the victory.
After the game the team accepted their awards with the grace and humility that has defined them for the last nine years and congratulated all of their opponents on a fine and well-fought season.
The team wore black armbands in memory of Msgr James McDonald, who passed away last week.
