H-ton JV Girls’ Soccer Compiles 9-5 Mark

Sophomore Brooke Baade scored 10 goals and freshman Anna Gulizio notched eight shutouts in goal to pace the Huntington High School girls’ junior varsity soccer team to an overall record of 9-5 this fall.

Captained by Baade, Ripley Mars, Cassie Berwick and Brianna McDonald, the 17-player team was coached by Brianne McDonnell. The highlight of the season was a 2-0 victory at home over Hauppauge, which had defeated the Blue Devils in the two previous meetings between teams going back to last year.

“This team has great character all-around, which led to great team chemistry,” McDonnell said. “They knew when it was appropriate to have fun and when to focus, which also stems from great leadership. The quality of soccer made it fun to coach, but the personality made it even better. This group is able to call each other more than teammates. They are friends.”

Huntington had a powerful scorer in Baade, a forward who “also led with great character as our team captain,” McDonnell said. The Blue Devils outscored their opponents by a 24-16 margin.

Gulizio’s eight shutouts were impressive. “Anna is an incredible athlete who made amazing saves this year for us,” McDonnell said. “She also was a vocal leader in the back line. Anna is one of our most valued players.”

Freshmen Tara Wilson and Lauren McGlone, a pair of outstanding defensive players, also filled key roles for the Blue Devils. “Tara is an athlete who has a soccer brain, but more importantly carries herself with much humility and respect for others,” McDonnell said. “She is a pleasure to coach.”

McGlone willingly changed positions when requested “with no questions or hesitation, which proves how good a team player she is,” McDonnell said. “Her success on defense shows how good a soccer player she is and will become. Lauren is a pleasure to coach.”

After losing to Hauppauge last year and again on September 12, Huntington finally broke the spell on October 3. “The girls were determined to win,” McDonnell said. “They came together and played the best game in the two years that I have been here. Everything we had been working on clicked in this game. I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team. They deserved to win that game.”

The Blue Devils closed out the season with three consecutive wins over Deer Park (3-0), West Babylon (2-1) and Bellport (4-0).

“I am looking forward to next season,” McDonnell said. “Though we lose some quality players, our freshmen have shown tremendous potential and contributed immensely this year. They have already proven to be leaders on and off the field. With their experiences this year, I expect nothing less than a successful season next year.”