It wasn’t easy on the pitch this season for the Cape May County Tech High School girls soccer program. That’s what happens when a team competes in the Cape Atlantic League (CAL).
However, the Hawks made their presence felt time and again against tough competition and finished with seven impressive victories, which was a milestone total for the squad.
“The girls had a great year, and the seven wins were the best in the last 15 years, so things are very positive,’’ Cape May County Tech head coach Warren Wade said. “Every year since I started with assistant coach Brian Dudley, things have gotten better and better.’’
Coach Wade recalls a particular game that stands out as being memorable.
“Our best win was versus Glassboro (6-0, Oct. 4). It got the team a taste for winning,’’ Wade said. “We also had a three-game winning streak.’’
The winning streak occurred Oct. 11-17, and included triumphs over Pleasantville, Pennsauken Tech and Saint Joseph’s.
Leadership was provided on the field for the Hawks this season.
“Our two captains, Sarah Schall and Paige Dooley, led the way for our team, as they gave direction and leadership to the team,’’ Wade said. “The players respected them, and they helped to relay the coach’s direction to the team. Darcie Francisco was a nice asset who transferred in this year.’’
Several players gained valuable experience this year, and demonstrated steady improvement regularly.
“Emily Pasceri and Alyssa Gery were first-year players who learned the game on the fly,’’ Wade said. “Also, Katie Keppel and Alyssa Hicks developed more skill at their respective positions.’’
Cape May County Tech tallied four victories in the CAL. They also advanced to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group I Sectional Tournament, as the 14th seed, however, they were defeated by third-seeded Schalick in the opening round.
Though the season is over, the future is looking bright for Hawk’s program.
“Youth and more athletic players, who buy into the system, [are reasons for optimism for the 2020 season],’’ Wade said. “Athletes who show up in the beginning of the season in better conditioned shape [also bodes well for the future]. The culture and the need to win games has started to sink in.’’
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