GIRLS SOCCER
By: Tim Falls
John McGinley would rather the Hopewell Valley Central High School girls varsity soccer team play well than win.
Of course, playing well will lead to wins.
The Bulldogs certainly won plenty last season. Hopewell went 17-4 and 11-1 in the Colonial Valley Conference with a lone loss to Steinert. Hopewell claimed the Patriot Division of the CVC.
Hopewell seemed ready to return to its winning ways after a 5-0 victory in a preseason scrimmage against Bordentown.
"I saw a lot of bright spots," said McGinley. "I was happy with how we played. I’d rather we play well than worry about winning or losing. If you play well, you’ll win more against the better teams."
McGinley said pure athleticism might decide some games, but only playing well consistently would help his team take on the more skilled programs.
Hopewell made progress against Bordentown after hosting Moorestown, Hillsborough and North Hunterdon in a ‘playday’ last Saturday. Each team played a shortened scrimmage, and while Hopewell fared well, McGinley saw some things that needed improvement.
"On Saturday we did some good things early," said McGinley. "After that we got satisfied with ourselves and started to let up."
Hopewell took control early against Bordentown, and kept control throughout the game.
"We played a fast game," said senior Gina Colati. "We used a lot of athleticism to keep control. We know we can keep it against a lot of teams."
Hopewell did well retaining possession last year. Only two teams were able to score more than once in a game last year, including the 2-1 loss to Ocean Township in the Central Jersey Group III semifinal that ended the Bulldogs’ season.
Hopewell junior Kim Fearnbach will take over in goal for last season’s senior starter Allison Bickford. Supporting Fearnbach will be senior defenders, Jesse Borden, Susie Fairbanks and Margi Emhof. Junior defenders include Ali Newman and Arielle Wolfe.
Hopewell also has a host of players who can act as midfielders as well as defenders. Seniors like Colati, Lisa Petty, and juniors like Lauren Sheidler, Leah Kulp and Kyle Pagano and sophomore Jamie Kianka could fill either of those roles while senior Sam Germano directs the action at midfield. Junior Sarah Gustafson could be utilized in a more offensive position as forward or play midfield as well. Leading the attack will be forwards like senior Meredith Briggs and juniors Rachel Muentener and Rosie Rarich.
"We’re working to keep getting better," said McGinley. "We have to make sure we improve all the time. The key fact is everyday is an opportunity to get better."
Working with McGinley is assistant coach Jeff Neumann, junior varsity coach Candace Dumont and freshman coach Lisa Kokotajlo.
Hopewell opens its season with a 3:45 p.m. away game against West Windsor-Plainsboro North on Sept. 8.
"North is always a good team," said McGinley. "Last year we won, 1-0, but the two years before that we lost. It’s always a good game."
After the Knights, the Bulldogs host Steinert at 3:45 p.m. Sept. 12.