After having previously lost to Blindbrook in overtime, the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team was eager for a rematch. On October 14, 2022, the Westlake team had a chance to face them for a second time under the lights at Homecoming. 

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The game started off with a ceremonial kickoff in order for injured senior players, Jillian Raguso and Morgan Leitch, to step on the field for one last time. Soon after their recognition, Westlake began.

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The first half proved to be an intense one. Junior goalie, Sophia Remo, stepped out of goal in order to save a breakaway shot and made many other impressive saves throughout the half. Strikers, Allie Castellone (senior) and Adrianna Georgette (sophomore), put in the work up top and had many close successes. 

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At halftime, the game was tied 0-0. Hungry for a Homecoming win, players used halftime as an opportunity to regroup and recharge. 

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The second half started off with good energy, but Blindbrook got lucky on a breakaway; they took a 1-0 lead. Though the Wildcats stepped on the gas after falling behind, Blindbrook made another shot. Refusing to be discouraged, the varsity team kept their effort up and eventually received a penalty kick for a yellow card against Blindbrook. Sophomore, Luciana Shkreli, took an outstanding shot that hit off the post and into the net. The score stood to be 2-1. 

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Even on the sidelines, the girls’ team encouraged and helped one another in hopes of a victory, but, Blindbrook received a free kick just outside of the box and scored again. With the clock running low, the varsity team made every effort to score another goal, but there was just not enough time. 

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Lilly Wurster (sophomore) found that, “the motivation was there, we just got unlucky with taking shots.” 

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The final score was 3-1, a devastating homecoming loss. 

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Westlake did not make it to playoffs because they were a couple games short of the qualification amount. 

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Junior Jessica Borducci put it best, “Even though we had a rough season, our record does not define us.” Und

Underclassmen hope to come back stronger next season knowing the dynamic that has developed amongst all players.