B.B. girls’ soccer team finishes season strong

October 23, 2024 at 9:35 p.m.

Sophomore striker Lola Gonzalez cuts the ball inside against a Westlake defender in Blind Brook’s last game of the season, a home victory over the Wildcats on Monday, Oct. 21. (Joseph DeCarlo/Westmore News)

The Blind Brook girls’ varsity soccer team has many accomplishments to be proud of this season. Even with some of their losses, the girls have always been determined to enhance their performance and crush any opponent that stands in their way.

On Friday, Oct. 18, Blind Brook faced Pleasantville. During their opponent’s highly anticipated homecoming game, the atmosphere was electric with Pleasantville’s fans filling the stands. Blind Brook came prepared, knowing they were in for a tough game.

Despite the Trojans’ best efforts, the game did not go as planned. Blind Brook entered the match with some returning players that had been out prior due to injuries as well as a new style of positioning that they were not used to. The girls ended up losing 2-0, leaving the game with their heads held high due to their determination. They knew they were facing a decent team and still battled through the many challenges that came their way.

Junior Bella Montesano had four saves in this game, being a key player for the Trojans. Her quick skills and natural habit of getting herself on the ground was much needed at certain times which stopped more shots on net from getting past her.

Coach Brian Sullivan reminded the team after the game that while the loss might have been painful, their season was far from over. Even though the girls’ last regular season game was on Monday, Oct. 21 against Westlake, he knew that they were going to get far this season including playing in sectional games.

With a new mindset after the loss and one last regular season game ahead of them, Blind Brook returned to their home field. They were determined to end the regular season on a high note and prove that their loss at Pleasantville’s homecoming game was a small bump in an otherwise successful season.

From the first whistle against Westlake, Blind Brook was relentless. Their passes were quick, every 50/50 ball was won, and their defense was like a brick wall. With an assist from freshman Gabby Cavallo and a goal off sophomore Lola Gonzalez’s foot, the tone of the game was promising.

By halftime, Blind Brook increased their lead to 3-0, with Cavallo and sophomores Skylar Sommers and Gonzalez controlling the tempo of the game. The second half saw more of the same, as the team continued to press their advantages on Westlake.

Gonzalez ended the game with two goals and one assist as did senior captain Natalie Carey. Cavallo and junior Kendall Konigsberg each had one assist. Montesano played an excellent game, recording three saves, and senior Anna Vnenchak returned after a hard injury to make another two saves.

    Senior midfielder Alexandra Maniscalco dribbles while shielding a Westlake player in the Trojans’ 4-0 win over the Wildcats.
 By Joseph DeCarlo   

As the final whistle blew, the team celebrated on the field, not only for the hard-fought win but for what it symbolized. The 4-0 victory wasn’t just a bounce back, it was a statement. They had proven their ability to rise after one loss and finish their season strong when it mattered most. By beating Westlake, they claimed their spot as first seed and may have ended Westlake’s entire season.

The win cemented Blind Brook’s place as the top seed in their section and, with this being their last regular season game, the Trojans ended with a record of 11-4-1.

Despite the sting of the earlier loss, the team had achieved an impressive record, showcasing consistent performances and fighting off any team that got in their way.

As they prepare for the playoffs, Blind Brook knows their journey is far from over. But with the lessons learned from both victory and defeat, they stand ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Now, with the momentum from their 4-0 victory-ending season and the pride of being first seed, the girls head into playoffs with confidence. The strength they've shown when bouncing back from defeat will serve them well as they chase their ultimate goal which is a new banner in the Blind Brook High School gym.

As the #1 seed, Blind Brook will play the #8 seed, Valhalla, in the playoffs Monday, Oct. 28 at home with an approximate 3 p.m. kickoff which wasn’t set in stone as of press time.

For Blind Brook, the journey is far from over, but their regular season has already told a powerful story based on perseverance, teamwork, and heart..