Over the past seven years, the girls soccer team has dominated the Union County Conference, having won seven consecutive county championships. On Saturday, Oct. 28th, the Raiders plan to continue the streak and will play their arch-rival –the Westfield Blue Devils– in the county final. The Blue Devils got the best of the Raiders during the regular season, winning both matchups by a score of 1 to 0. However, the Raiders are certain they will come out on top if they are aggressive and stay composed.
“We have to have composure while we play against them,” Freshman star Corrine Lyght said, “and we need to win all 50/50 balls.”
Though only a freshman, Lyght has been a starter and a key player for the Raiders offense throughout the season. She is the second leading scorer on the team and is excited and optimistic about her first county final game.
Senior starters Taylor Diggs and Kerri Mcneely have experience in county final games. In fact, as sophomores, they defeated the Blue Devils in the county final by a score of 2-1. They know they are capable of defeating them once again and do not feel pressure heading into the game.
“We approach every game the same way” Captain Taylor Diggs said. “No matter who we play or the magnitude of the game, we go into every game knowing we can win and we plan to do so Saturday.”
Mcneely, who leads the team with goals scored (14) and assists (11), plans to contribute to the team by putting one in the back of the net.
“I definitely want to score against them,” Mcneely said, “we haven’t scored against them this year but the third time will be the charm and I think we’ll come out with a win.”
The Raiders are going into the game with confidence and are certain they will hoist the trophy in the air for the eighth consecutive season.
Final Score Prediction: The Raiders defeat the Blue Devils 2-1 in overtime. Senior Erika Muskus will score early in the second half to tie the game on an assist by Senior Danielle Mrozek. In overtime, Kerri Mcneely will break free from the defense and score the game winning goal to win the county final once again.
As for the fans, be sure to come out to support the girls team on Saturday, October 28th at 5pm at Arthur L. Johnson Stadium and to see them claim their eighth consecutive county championship.