Statements were made this past week on the pitch for the Varsity Girls soccer team. Not only did the team manage to remain undefeated going 6-0-0, they managed to push over two fierce opponents.
The first being a victory over the defending Class C Champions MacDuffie. A lot of players before the game constantly spoke about “getting in their head” and trying to play “in the right mindset” and it certainly seems as if they did. The girls were able to stand strong and finish 9-0.
However, the real test was against Class A team Sacred Heart. The Saints were able to pull off a last 15 minute comeback from 2-1 to win 4-2 all thanks to the hat-trick-hero, Ella Olcese, ‘21.
“It was really satisfying and it was great to be apart of the team,” she said. After that match, she now tallies 12 goals in five games.
None of these goals would’ve been possible though without the strong winger in Joy Okonye, ‘23. It seems as if she has the ball on a string with how well and much she dances around defenders making them miss almost every tackle.
The Saints most recently played Ethel Walker this past Wednesday. Both teams went into the match undefeated but the Saints beat them soundly 3-0. All three goals were scored by the freshman phenom, Joy. She so far has managed to pick up eight goals and seven assists in six games.
Ella said, “It’s amazing to have Joy by my side. As we continue our chemistry is building and we’re playing so well together. She’s one of my best friends already.”
Joy felt the same, if not more about the team.
“I define family as the people who make me happy,” started Joy, “The girls on the team are my family because they make me happy and I feel comfortable.”
She also went on to share her love for the game that she grew up playing and loving.
Joy said, “In Nigeria, we didn’t have an organized girls team so most of the time I played with the boys. It was tough because they were stronger and bigger. I was the smallest and sometimes the only girl. I care about football a lot because I’ve played it all my life. I always want to be on the pitch.”
While the girls continue to grow closer together, expectations are rising high. Some are calling to crown them champions already and the team is ready and wanting that.
“I don’t think there’s anything that can stop us from winning it,” said Joy, “I’m here to support the team in any way I can and fight to the last battle.”
Before even finishing my question Ella just simply said, “We’re going to win it.”
The team is not looking to slow down at all and certainly not at their will. They’re looking to keep going undefeated as long as they possibly can to strike fear into any other teams around the league.
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