Sayreville girls are set to defend White Division title
Consistently strong Lady Bombers off to a fast start once again
FARRAH MAFFAI Sayreville’s Kim Griffith shields the ball with her body while North Brunswick’s Kate Nastus defends during their game in Sayreville Friday.
The Sayreville War Memorial High School girls’ soccer team is 1-0-1 in the early going as it looks to defend its Greater Middlesex Conference White Division championship.
Like most area teams, the Bombers postponed several games as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center.
Coach Steve Fischer said his team is scheduled to play Perth Amboy and Colonia this week, and has three games set for next week.
The Bombers looked solid in downing Metuchen, 3-1, in the season-opener. Kim Griffith scored twice and added an assist, and Nicole Gandero also scored in the win.
Sayreville’s other game was a 1-1 contest with North Brunswick. Gandero scored late in the second half, assisted by Griffith, to forge the tie.
That’s a pretty good start for a team that went 17-4-1 a year ago and reached the GMC Tournament finals for the second straight year.
The Bombers, though young, certainly have high expectations again this fall. As always, Fischer’s team is a versatile one, and the coach frequently substitutes during games to keep his players fresh.
Sayreville’s offense comes from its strength in the middle of the field. Griffith, a sophomore forward who scored 13 goals and had five assists a year ago, leads the attack. Talented junior Jessica Roy is also up front.
Senior midfielder Kristen Hubela, a co-captain who scored six goals and had 11 assists, is a solid presence in the middle. Meredith Phair, who can play anywhere when called upon, Gandero and Lynda Babo round out the middle.
Junior Melissa Braun is back in goal, and senior co-captain Laura Haney leads an experienced defense. Junior fullbacks Rose Camuto, Nicole Gallagher and Natalie Wika all saw substantial playing time last season.
Other members of the team include midfielder/forwards Marissa Jack, Antoinette Basile, Allison Comeford, Tara Hromyak, Linda Scamardella; fullback Lindsay Kelly and goalie Robin Bennett; as well as sophomore fullback Kayleigh Cesare.
"As the season moves on, some of our juniors and sophomores will step up," Fischer said. "The kids we’re getting now are more prepared and talented than ever, and they’re capable of doing a lot on the field."
The coach credited the program’s junior varsity coach Stacey Maher, who played for Fischer nine years ago, as well as Mari Coderre, who coaches the middle school team.
"These kids are getting good coaching, and it shows when they get to varsity," Fischer said. "Also, the recreation leagues in town are excellent, and that’s where many of our players started."