As the first half of the season winds down the JV girls soccer team winds up to replay Gouverneur on home ground. With only one other loss in a non-league game the girls celebrate a winning season so far.
Sept. 13 saw the team at Massena winning 3-2 in a close match with the Raiders. Goals came from Elena Abplanalp, Gigi Sergi, and Mamie Coburn with assists from Reagan Kiah who led the team in shots along with Ashley Aldous. The center field continues to dominate with a successful rotation in the sweeper, stopper, and center mid positions. Ashlyn Beeles, Coburn, and Abplanalp have the speed, smarts, and stamina to share the center court.
The winning streak continued as the Bears faced OFA for their first game on the new turf field. The 4-1 win was in response to a strong defense as the Demons had a solid 16 shots on net. They didn’t outmatch the Bears though who had 20 shots, 4 of them successful by Apblanalp with 2 goals, Kiah, and Gigi Sergi. Assists by Ashlyn Beeles and Mary Sergi.
“Hannah Ames has stepped up as a standout defender this season,” said Coach Kim French. “There’s always a need for speed everywhere on the field but especially on defense against teams like Massena with aggressive forwards. Hannah was used to playing midfield and reluctantly agreed to try defense as Olivia Bourdette was ill this game. Hannah really shined and gained some confidence as the Raiders offense struggled to get anything past her. Hadley Green also did a great job for her first time in net with Emma Bradish-Hayes trying the field and showing her versatility as well. This is a flexible team with a lot of players who really can step into any position and that’s a great advantage.”
Mamie Coburn had her first hat trick in Potsdam on Sept. 19th while assisting Reagan Kiah on a nice ground shot. Gigi Sergi scored her sixth of the season to finish with a 5-0 win. Sydney Oshier really shined this game with a fast hustle and strong throw in to assist Sergi’s goal.
The Bears were less lucky against a stellar Saranac team on Sept. 23 on home grass. The 5-0 loss was harsh but the girls recognized some areas to work on and that a struggle only makes a positive team better.
The last two games the Bears really showed their skill and stepped up their short passing game. In a 7-4 win against Salmon-River goals were scored by Coburn, Kiah, Sergi, and Ashley Aldous as well as Hadley Green who not only had her first of the season, but put two in for the Bears.
Another high scoring game against Norwood-Norfolk took place on Saturday morning, Sept. 28 with an 8-0 win. Elena Abplanalp had her first hat trick and other goals were scored by Coburn, Beeles, Sergi, and Kaydence Locke with a nice shot in the last 10 seconds of the game.
The Bears will face the Wildcats for the third time and are gearing up for some tough competition. Come support the girls on the home turf Oct. 1 at 4:30 p.m.!
