The Saints hope to get a leg up on the competition. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The St. Mary’s High School girls’ soccer team reached the pinnacle of coach Joe Almeida’s brief coaching career last season, earning his first postseason berth with a record of 13-5-1 overall, 13-1-1 league.
Although exceeding that feat may be a bit of a stretch, Almeida, now in his fourth season, is optimistic that the defense will be stronger than ever.
“Our strength will be our defense,” Almeida said.
Senior captains Bella Butler and Maggie Parker will patrol the defensive waters, and new goalie Francesca DePergola, despite only being a freshman, should present a challenge for some opposing forwards.
DePergola brings a level of expertise in net, having played in goal for the Pioneer Valley fall and spring leagues.
“Francesca is the most experienced goalie I’ve ever had,” Almeida said. “She is going to help out our defense.”
Striker-turned-midfielder Alison Stanlewicz will attempt to complete the transition of the ball from the defensive to the offense.
“She has vision,” Almeida said of his converted player. “She has very good vision. She will help the players around her even better.”
While Stanlewicz replaces Selena Morasi (2012 graduate), St. Mary’s will attempt to address the forward position early in the season. Just who will emerge is unknown.
“Forward Emily Brown (’12 graduate) scored some major goals,” Almeida said. “But we’re headed in the right direction.”
Darby Bailey and Lauren Chapdelaine return at the forward position. Taylor Marshall and Monica Peterson are also expected to contribute.
“I think we’re going to be OK,” Almeida said. “We’ll see when it’s game time.”
St. Mary’s opens its season Sept. 11 at Sci-Tech. Game time is 4 p.m.
St. Mary’s Justin Crosby, a Westfield High transfer, will make his start alongside a revamped unit, and some strong holdovers, poised to make some noise this season. (Photo by Chris Putz)
BOYS’ OUTLOOK: St. Mary’s boys’ coach Andrew Martin was downright shocked about what he saw in practice this week – in a good way.
“Originally, losing eight seniors, nine starters, I thought it would be a rebuilding year,” Martin said. “But from what I’ve seen (the past week), we’re going to be solid. It’s pretty exciting.”
One of those surprises is senior Justin Crosby, a Westfield High transfer, who is transferring his skills on the basketball court to the grass fields as well.
“He has quickness, athleticism, and he’s good with the ball,” Martin said.
Crosby scored the first goal of a scrimmage Wednesday against the Westfield High School junior varsity team.
“He’s going to contribute,” Martin said.
Three seniors – sweeper-midfielder Mike Tassinari, defense-MF Anthony Garde, and forward Zack Slepchuk – form the nucleus of the 2012 team.
“They’re a good foundation because they play all the way up and down the field, and they’re all interchangeable.
Martin also said big things are in store for freshmen Zaccery Girard, who the coach claims “is going to be very, very good; highly-skilled; has good composure; and, has decent size.”
Junior Bryce Kibbe, who is one of 20 on the current varsity roster, will start in goal.
“We have a long, deep bench that will be nice if someone gets tired or injured,” Martin said.
Last season, the Saints finished 7-9-2 but qualified for the tournament with a second-place league finish.
St. Mary’s will open the 2012 season against McCann Tech Sep. 11 at Westfield North Middle School at 4 p.m.
