By Taylor Bovarnick
After losing in the second round of states, the varsity girls’ soccer team has concluded its 2013 season with a record of 12-6-1.
The team began with many injured players, leaving those who were able to put in extra effort to reach the team’s goal: the Division I South State Tournament.
In addition to working through the injuries, the 2013 team consisted of many underclassmen. “Although most would believe it is a disadvantage to have a younger team,” junior Callie Tausig said, “the underclassmen really stepped up each game and made us proud.”
The team’s goal from the beginning of the season was to qualify for states.
“Not only did I want to make the tournament, but I wanted to be the best team I knew we had the potential to be, especially playing in such a difficult league with tons of good opponents,” Tausig said.
The girls have been preparing for the tournament since the first day of preseason, according to junior Tamar Bulka.
“Every practice and every game we played was just practice to get us to states,” she said.
Their season was far from over when they qualified for states, though. Extensive commitment and hard work were necessary throughout, junior Elizabeth Barry said.
“Knowing that the season isn’t over when the regular season is over is just awesome,” Barry said.
The team, Tausig said, was relieved to make the tournament earlier than last year.
The girls had nearly a week in between the last game of the regular season and the first game of the state tournament. They practiced incessantly by performing fitness exercises, penalty kicks, and real game situations.
The players that had minor injuries during this time used the week for healing and resting so they would be back on their feet for the first game.
“The emphasis on preparing for the first game of the tournament, for me, was less about what our opponents had and how to combat that,” senior captain Sophie Macarthur said. “It was more about looking at our own strengths and what we have and can use to win.”
Having lost the first round of the tournament in the 2012 season, the team used past experiences to prevent similar mistakes, according to Barry.
The team exceeded last year’s place in the tournament by defeating Silver Lake Regional High School 2-0.
During this first game, the girls kept possession of the ball and dictated most of the moves.
“Our ball movement was really good,” said Bulka. “We were all really aggressive and passionate about winning, but I think we were nervous on defense and often kicked the ball long when we could have passed to feet.”
Tausig agreed that the team worked very hard to keep possession and score.
In the quarterfinals of the state tournament this Tuesday, South lost to Bishop Feehan 4-0, ending its season.
“Losing was definitely the hardest part of the season,” Barry said. “It wasn’t only sad that we lost the game and are out of the tournament but that the season is now over.”
Barry believes that all the team had was an off-night.
“Even our coaches told us that we had an excellent season, but a bad night,” Barry said. “This comment was really unfortunate because one bad night cost us our entire season.”
A standout player this season, according to Bulka, was sophomore Rina Rabinovitch.
“She started playing a new position this year and has really stepped up to fill that role,” Bulka said. “She has made vast improvements.”
Although the season is over, the players said they will stay close.
“We will always have the great memories and will continue to make more with each other throughout the year off the fields,” Barry said. “Just because the soccer season is over, it doesn’t mean that we as a team will socially branch away.”
During the off season, many players are going to continue to play soccer by participating in various club teams.
Looking forward to the 2014 season, Tausig believes that numerous underclassmen now have varsity experience. The team next year will be even stronger, hoping to advance even further in the tournament, she said.
“I am really proud of this 2013 season and cannot wait to see what will come next year,” Tausig said.
(Photo by Siena Small)
