WOODBURY — Fifteen wins, five losses, and one tie. Despite not winning the Berkshire League championship, the Nonnewaug girls soccer team enjoyed several moments of success during the season.
“The team had a good season even after losing a lot of seniors that were key players last season,” said Chiefs junior Ellie McDonald, a striker for the team.
They made their appearance in the state tournament in late November, defeating New Fairfield in the first round and Ansonia in the second round, only to fall to Suffield, the No. 1 seed in the Class M tournament, in a 4-0 quarterfinal loss.
“We had a good season,” said Greta Addeo, a freshman who played outside defense for the Chiefs. “There were a lot of little hiccups, but it seemed like we figured them out as we got to the states.”
“We did well in the state [tournament] compared to past years,” acknowledged McDonald, who scored in each of Nonnewaug’s state tournament wins.
This is a key part for the Chiefs’ spirit: making it to the states and winning two tournament games. It keeps hopes up for next year as well as the pressure for the upcoming freshmen having to step up into positions for the 2024 season.
One position that won’t be in doubt will be goalie, where junior Savannah Czerepacha had a strong season and saved two penalty kicks in the first-round win over New Fairfield.
“Savannah had a great season as goalie and made key saves for us,” McDonald said.
Nonnewaug girls soccer has had players step up, and having younger players who got playing time this season will help the Chiefs be successful for next season.
Although a lot of senior key players, including Maylan Hardisty, Gianna Lodice, Layla Coppola, Ireland Starziski, Sam Duncan, and Skylar Chung, will be graduating this year, there is some advice that they will leave with the rest of their team.
“Next season the midfield should be the focus; we could’ve done better,” said Hardisty, outside mid for the Chiefs.
Even with the loss of players, Addeo says she’s not worried.
“I am excited for next season,” Addeo said. “I think we are gonna do really well next year. Even though we are losing a lot of seniors, I feel the juniors will be able to fill their shoes.”
