On Sunday, November 17, 2019, the #1 seeded Girls Varsity Soccer Team were crowned champions of NEPSAC Class C. Truly an incredible turn around for a team in just four seasons under Coach Hargrove.
“To really do it was about changing the mentality of going out there and competing. To do that we had to bring in girls that were really focused on soccer,” said Coach Hargrove, “We were able to do that with the first recruiting class in Peyton, Ella, Lexah, and then we just built the style in which we play.”
Ella Olcese, ‘21, said that Coach Hargrove was “just as dedicated, if not more dedicated than the players. He wanted it just as much as [they] did.”
However, this game wasn’t as easy as it sounds. The game was grueling and more aggressive than the girls were expecting.
They were going up against fierce rival and opponent, St. Luke’s, and it was more intense than their regular season match. The team came out more aggressive and mean at some moments. Multiple players recalled moments of aggressive pulling and foul language coming from the other team.
One player cited a moment where a St. Luke’s player “grabbed the collar of [her] jersey and dragged [her] down”. Another, the incessant elbowing directly to the back while trying to jostle for position.
Regardless, the Saints stood tall and didn’t let their emotions get the better of them.
“It’s an added piece to keep your head when all around St. Luke’s was losing theirs,” said Coach Hargrove, “Our girls had to overcome that and they did a great job keeping their wits about them.”
Goalkeeper, Peyton DeRouen, ‘21, said that, “We just focused on playing our game, because I know the ability, especially on defense. We could handle it. We just couldn’t fall into the pressure they were putting on us.”
The tough keeper definitely helped her team out. Even while having a “hard time to see out of the left eye” Peyton still managed to put up her 13th clean sheet of the year.
Not to mention, the backbone of the defensive line, Tori Gioiele, ‘22, scoring her first postseason goal and it could not have come in a greater moment.
Coming off of a stoppage due to an injury, Tori booted the ball into the box and the keeper misjudged where the ball would be going. Next thing both teams knew, the ball hopped over the goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net.
Ella was at a loss for words after the goal at first.
“I didn’t even think it was going in and then I saw the goalie. My heart started going so fast and I was so excited in a way that didn’t feel humanly possible.”
“It was a pretty wild moment,” said Coach Hargrove, “For the ball to go in, it was fortuitous and a little bit lucky but it seemed like justice in a way.”
And with that, the Saints were up and fought to close out the game. The game ended in a 1-0 win in which the Saints were crowned.
But, the work isn’t done. The girls are already looking towards next season. These hard working girls are already looking to get back and dominate in the midst of a repeat.
“[We’re] coming back and winning it again,” said Ella, “We consider we’ve had three big accomplishments this season. Which is winning Class C, winning NEPSAC, and raising a bunch of money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital through our charity game. We’re going to do all three again.”
Coach Hargrove spoke on how he wants to “push them individually now” as well.
“It’s a great way to bring the team even more together. A lot of them continue to play club soccer and other programs to improve themselves. Some are already trying to find where they’re going to play next through the college process.
“Obviously a repeat is on the mind and we’re losing a couple of key pieces in CC Poli and Bella Cotier,” said Coach, “We’re losing valued leadership and great players. But when it’s time, we’ll fill out the roster. The girls will step up and grow.”
This was truly a phenomenal feat for Coach Hargrove and the team. Now, after a long, hard working season, the 18-1 Girls Varsity Soccer team are New England Champions.
Final Score: Saints 1 – St. Luke’s 0
MVP of the Postseason: Tori Gioiele
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