By: John Chester
It was an atypical way to begin the regular season, playing four games in five days against tough competition. But the Hightstown High School girls’ soccer team aced the opening test, winning all four games by a combined score of 11-3.
Senior forward Erika Juricic has exploded out of the gate on offense, scoring six goals and assisting on two others.
The defense playing in front of goalkeeper Tara Miluszewski is an experienced group. All four were starters a year ago outside fullbacks Cori Davis and Danielle Romola, stopper Angela Lanzo and sweeper Marissa Segal.
"I didn’t know our defense would be as good as it has been in the first four games," Hess said. "Our defense has done a tremendous job keeping other teams from getting good shots."
Hightstown is off until Monday when it play at Nottingham at Hamilton Township’s Veterans Park. On Tuesday, Hightstown will host West Windsor-Plainsboro South High. Hightstown plays at Hopewell on Thursday.
It is a big week for us," said Hess. "Yes, we got four wins and we’re happy about that. But we’ll see more strong teams next week. Two of those teams beat us last year. While we beat Nottingham last year, Nottingham is a team that is capable of beating you.
"I talked with the girls today (Wednesday the 13th) before practice about it. I told them that if we are going to take the step up to the next level, we have to have a good showing next week."
Hightstown won its opener, 3-0, at Ewing High last Friday.
Juricic put the Rams ahead 1-0 approximately 90 seconds into the game. Juricic took a through pass from center midfielder Ify Onochie and scored her first of two goals in the game.
Juricic also had the assist on the other Hightstown goal by Chrissy Demko. For Demko, a senior, it was her varsity goal. For Demko, who has battled injuries the last two years, the goal had to be memorable and pleasing.
Miluszewski made 10 saves to earn the shutout.
"Ewing has a couple of girls who are really fast," Hess said. "Our defense was superb. Ewing had no quality shots."
Hightstown then finished the opening stretch of four games in five days by winning three straight at home.
On Saturday the 8th, Onochie goal’s in overtime lifted Hightstown past South Brunswick High, 2-1. Juricic assisted on the goal.
The combination was reversed Juricic scoring off an assist from Onochie on Hightstown’s first goal, which came approximately five minutes into the first half. Hightstown’s 1-0 lead held up until South Brunswick forced sudden-
death overtime by scoring its goal in the last minute of the second half.
Then, Hightstown downed Lawrenceville, a strong prep school team, 2-1, on Monday.
For the first time this season, Hightstown had to come from behind. Lawrenceville took a 1-0 lead approximately three minutes into the first half on a direct kick.
Onochie set up the first of two goals by Juricic, which tied the game eight minutes into the second half. Then, approximately 23 minutes into the second half, Juricic made a run into the penalty area and was fouled. She converted the ensuing penalty kick and Hightstown’s defense shut the door on Lawrenceville the rest of the way.
Hightstown finished its first week by downing visiting Princeton, 4-1, on Tuesday. Hightstown jumped ahead 1-0 approximately five minutes into the first half on a goal by Brianna Byrne. She took a pass from fellow midfielder Carissa Wolkiewicz and sent the ball into the goal from 25 yards out.
Hightstown built on its 1-0 halftime lead by scoring the first three goals in the second half to put the game on ice.
Juricic upped the lead to 2-0 by scoring unassisted on a breakaway. Juricic then set up the first varsity goal for midfielder Jesse Hurler. A junior, Hurler is new to the Hightstown girls’ soccer program this year. Hess said Hurler has been a nice addition.
A goal by Romola off a direct kick from 20 yards out finished the scoring for Hightstown. Princeton spoiled the shutout with about five minutes remaining. The sequence that led to the goal began with a corner kick.
"I feel Princeton is probably one of the most skilled teams locally along with Steinert (Hamilton-
East)," said Hess. "Although the final score was 4-1, it was a pretty even game."
