Daredevils (U13) Win Battle for First Place

Back row: Jenna Paquale, Charlotte Castranova, Carly Knowles, Lauren Coleman, Erin Greiner, Nicole Bommarito, Lily Schmitt, Jacqueline Jahelka; Front row: Courtney Studdert, Brynn Murphy, Krista Dampman, Kelsey Tierney, Taylor Pappas, Victoria Piscopo, Bitty Furman; Missing from final game: Liesl Jaye, Niki Berkery, Jane Frumberg

Over Columbus Day weekend, while most GC soccer teams were at Windsor, the Daredevils headed east to conquer the Northport Cow Harbor Tournament. And, they did - with an incredible finish against their rival, Stonybrook, to whom just weeks prior they relinquished a 3-0 win.

Leading up to the finish, the team played three winning games. They kicked off the tournament with a 2-1 win against Newfield. Courtney Studdert initiated the scoring with an excellent play at midfield to win the ball, which she passed up to Carly Knowles. Carly had an exceptional run up the field, and a successful 1 v. 1 against the goalie, to secure their first goal. Jacqueline Jahelka sent in a deadly throw-in to the feet of Krista Dampman, who racked up the second goal of the game with a rocket shot.

Nicole Bommarito is all smiles as she confirms "I got it" -- to teammates Jacqueline Jahelka, Lauren Coleman, and Taylor Pappas.

One down... three to go. In game two, Brynne Murphy launched a shot from midfield which surpassed all on the field - including the goalie. Once again, Krista Dampman connected strong and sent goal number two into the net, and Courtney Studdert relentlessly pushed goal three over the line. Nicole Bommarito did a terrific job taking a turn in goal to earn the shut-out. Day two kicked off with 3-0 win against Commack. Courtney enjoyed scoring so much the first day, she decided to do it again to start the rally! Nicole Bommarito contributed a couple more goals to comfortably declare a win.

But, it was the game against Stonybrook that all the girls were waiting for. The teams were tied for first going into the game, and Garden City was eager to face their rivals again, possibly with a bit to prove after their recent loss. An exciting and competitive match ensued between the teams. All of the Daredevils came to the game with intensity and spirit in their hearts. They were ready to play.

Victoria Piscopo goes head to head with the opponent!

The excitement started with a "videotape worthy" goal stemming from a perfectly placed corner kick from Erin Greiner, to which Carly Knowles reacted with an incredible header into the net. Eventually the score turned to a 1-1 game, as every single Daredevil on the field played to the very end and gave it their all. The defensive team was OUTSTANDING! Goalie Kelsey Tierney had several "crowd roaring," game changing saves as Lauren Coleman, Bitty Furman, Taylor Pappas and Jacqueline Jahelka were absolutely unforgiving against Stonybrooks' very strong offense. They just couldn't beat our girls!

The midfielders had their work cut out for them, and they were up to the task. Brynn Murphy and Erin Greiner battled for every ball in the center, as Charlotte Castranova, Jenna Pasquale, and Courtney Studdert moved the ball upfield with purpose. Victoria Piscopo had an exceptional offensive game, along with Krista Dampman, Nicole Bommarito and Carly Knowles who together formed a storming offense.

Carly Knowles shoots and scores on a goalie challenge, as Courtney Studdert watches the result of her excellent pass.

The Daredevils came together in that final game against Stonybrook with a rhythm and determination beyond words. The game ended in a well-played 1-1 tie, and they took first place in the tournament overall given their strong goals for and against record.

As quoted by Joe Castranova, "That was quite possibly the best soccer game I've ever seen." Congratulations Daredevils - you deserve it!

After a persistent battle, Courtney Studdert pushes the ball into the net. Krista Dampman gets the shot off, as the goalie braces herself!