Archbishop Carroll’s varsity and JV girls’ soccer teams faced Cardinal O’Hara last week, ending with great results for both teams. After the victories, the group gathered together for one last team dinner in honor of their seniors.

Before any matches began, the seniors’ names were announced. As their families joined them on the field, the crowd’s applause could be heard from inside. With balloons and smiles all around, it was time to begin the varsity game.

Although a rather tough game, varsity was able to score three times on O’Hara.  Seniors Amanda Armstrong and Reagan Duzy scored two of the goals, which echoed the celebratory theme of the day. Another senior standout during the match was Sarah Durham, who, despite her rather small size, would not be pushed around easily.

“She was a bulldozer,” said junior Machaela Henry. “Even though she caused a rousing six fouls that day, she was in it to win and we love her for that.”

Sophomore Olivia Stout would finish the scoring streak with a powerful shot on net later on in the game. With the game ending in 3-0 for Carroll, the varsity girls’ team were able to start their dinner with a good taste in their mouth.

While the varsity team enjoyed dinner, the underclassmen delivered speeches in which they honored their seniors. Laughs filled the room as goalie Bridget Robinson joked of Durham’s “impressive but unexpected” foul streak of the day. 

As the varsity team wrapped up their day, the JV team prepared for their match against O’Hara. The girls faced a disappointing 9-0 defeat the last time they battled. Carroll’s JV would not take a beating this time around. 

The match started off neck and neck with both teams struggling to get a goal in. Sophomore Grace Klenn would be the sole shooter for Carroll that day, scoring a difficult shot with her non-dominant foot. By the end of the half, Carroll’s JV was in the lead with the scoreboard reading 1-0. Spirits were high in Carroll’s corner with many players expressing their excitement.

“We’re actually in the lead for once,” said junior Rebecca Wallgren. “I never imagined us possibly winning a game against O’Hara. It’s kind of bizarre, but we’ll take the second chance.”

With the second half in full swing, it was beginning to look bad for Carroll. As more and more fouls were made against Carroll, O’Hara continued to push harder. Unfortunately for Carroll, O’Hara capitalized on a Carroll penalty, which tied the score to 1-1. 

Both teams fought to come out victorious until the end but a 1-1 tie would be the outcome for the JV match that Tuesday afternoon. Although not a winning result, Carroll was ecstatic to even the score from their prior match against the rivals.

“This was for sure one of our better games,” said junior Caroline Pascual. “Even though we tied, (and I got four fouls), it didn’t affect our game and I’m so grateful for that.”

Although missing most of the festivities, Carroll’s JV were able to witness the seniors receiving their gifts while eating a well-deserved supper. 

As both teams left the field after a hard day of work, the best of wishes were sent out to the seniors of Archbishop Carroll’s soccer team by all that joined the celebration.