Classical girls soccer enters season with more experience

With experience in a summer league under its collective belt, the Classical girls soccer team is ready for the season-opening Lynn City Tournament.”We have a little (bit) of an advantage,” second-year head coach Kerri Altieri said. “The girls played in a summer league. There’s a good synergy going on.”Altieri reports that there has been a carry-over from last season’s veterans into this year.”We have a lot of girls who stayed,” she said. “Most of our varsity team played last year. Last year was a real growing year. Now they’re used to playing with each other. The passing game has come a long, long way. I’m hopeful for a better season.”Classical struggled last year, winning two games, but quite a few players are back, such as center-midfielders Franki Galeazzi and Rebecca Potter, and forward Jennie Erekson.”(Galeazzi and Potter) do a great job together,” Altieri said. “Keep an eye on (Jennie). She’s come a long way. She’s a really, really strong forward.”Meanwhile, on defense, the team has stopper Kristin Lauria, whom her coach characterized as “very instrumental” and a “solid player.”However, the team has a challenge in net with incumbent Mackenzie Coppinger limited due to an injury. Altieri said that two other goalies have stepped up: Jillian Strileckis and Jessica Perez.”Both are good,” the coach said.There are four captains on the Rams this season: Erekson, Coppinger, Katie Cuozzo and Alison Kurpiel. All are seniors.The team did graduate several key players in Christine Francois, Gabbi Galeazzi and Brianna Capone. Yet, Altieri said, “tryouts are going really well,” with 47 players showing up.Classical will play Tech in the first round of the city soccer tournament on Sept. 6 at Manning Field. As for the Rams’ upcoming Northeastern Conference schedule, the coach said, “Salem is always really strong. Lynn English is looking pretty good, and Winthrop is always a tough one for us.”Altieri is a math teacher at Classical and she hopes to add some good vibes to her players’ morale.”I think one of the things I try to concentrate (on) is giving positive feedback,” she said. “A lot is just constructive things. I’m not one of those yellers. I don’t really hammer the kids.”As for being at Classical, Altieri said, “I love it. The girls are just great. It’s nice to have the girls in class. It works well to be in the same school as the kids.”Rounding out Altieri’s staff are returning assistant Gina Diamantopoulos and new JV coach (and Classical alum) Justina Alicudo, who is also in her second year teaching Spanish at her alma mater.”(Alicudo’s) going to do a good job,” Altieri said. “She’s a great fit. She’ll fit right in without any kinks.”