Indoor soccer

With a record of 6-2-2 in the regular season, the women’s indoor soccer team fared well in the playoffs. After making it to the championship game for the second time in three years, the team capitalized, beating Mercy 4-3 on Feb. 4 and bringing home their first IAAM championship in team history.

“I’m extremely proud of the season and of the team. Looking back, we hit all of our large goals we set for ourselves,” head coach Hayley Howe said.

After losing in the semifinals to Notre Dame Prep last year, the team looked to learn from their mistakes and to return stronger than before. “We improved on moving the ball around the field and keeping our composure, even in stressful situations,” senior goalie Ellie Marts said.

While the regular season wasn’t perfect, the team won the games that mattered the most. “Even though we weren’t undefeated, it didn’t stop us from winning the championship. We stuck together all year and lifted each other up when we made mistakes,” sophomore Maddie Cumpston said.

For senior players on the team, like Marts, it was a great championship win after losing in the playoffs the past three years. “To finally win after consecutive years of being so close feels great, honestly. I’m glad we were able to make it happen my senior year, because it’s just a great way to wrap up my high school soccer career,” she said.

As for next year, the team will be losing six seniors, who filled over half of the team’s roster, and will rely on the younger players to step into bigger roles for next season. “The sophomore class is a pretty strong class athletically. I think [sophomore] Erin Scannell [will play a bigger role], she’s just got kind of a good head on her shoulders when it comes to soccer. Also, Cumpston [who] plays with a lot of heart,” Howe said.

After a successful season, the team hopes to repeat as champions next season.

Grant Sharretts is the Online Chief for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.