Girls’ Soccer Still Improving

Big Red girls’ varsity soccer suffered a 0-2 loss against Worcester Academy this Saturday. While the Worcester Hilltoppers haven’t given up a game for 12 matches, the home game marked the 11th loss of the season for Big Red and the third in this losing streak.The game proved tough from the beginning as one of the starting defenders, upper Grace Pratt, was sick. Pratt, who noticed the physicality of the Hilltoppers early on, said she was frustrated for not being able to go in for more than a few minutes. She noted, however, that she learned a lot on the bench from listening to the coaches’ comments on how the team was playing. “Some girls had to play positions they hadn’t really played before, so that was a challenge,” Pratt said.One player who stepped up and played a different position was lower Jen Zecena. The outside back transitioned to center, leading the defense for most of the game. Lower Louisa Barkovich commented on Zecena’s composure when dealing with Worcester’s offense. “She took on the 6 foot tall forwards with ease and courage.” Bartkovich said.

“We had a lot more chances than we normally do just, but they just wouldn’t go in the net.”

In the first half, Big Red girls’ Soccer worked together and created opportunities at the goal but couldn’t get the ball in the net. Lower Samantha Weaver commented on how the team worked hard to compensate for the changes in back. “We had a lot more chances than we normally do just, but they just wouldn’t go in the net,” Weaver said.Finishing has been one of the biggest struggles for the squad’s offense this season, but it has been working on shooting and passing plays during practice. In addition to this, the team’s defense has been working on its shape. Upper Veronica Galimberti mentioned that the team has been working on staying focussed and positive this season. “Dealing with this many losses has definitely been daunting, but the team has never failed to show up to practice the next day with a new attitude and willing to work hard for the next game,” Galimberti said.Worcester’s first goal was in the first half. Big Red’s defense failed to stop a pass to the goal and unluckily gave one of Worcester’s strikers an opportunity to shoot into the net. The Hilltoppers’ brought a lot of stamina to the field and proved overpowering in the second half when they scored their second goal. Exeter girls’ defense didn’t step up and couldn’t match the other team’s energy. “Losing is frustrating, but we’ve really just been pushing through and looking on to the next game,” Pratt said.Upper Hannah Gustafson commented on how losing most of the season has been both mentally and physically draining for team. “We’ll be up for the games and practices this week though as we prepare for our big game against Andover,” Gustafson said. “Andover has a good team and both teams will have to put in a good fight for the whole 80 minutes to have a chance of coming out on top. Anything can happen on E/a.”The losing streak has proved a mental challenge for the team, but the squad has been working hard in practice to prepare for the battle against Andover. The home game takes place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 am.