Rams have returning talent this year

The Classical girls soccer team is looking to build on a successful 2013 season that saw the Rams qualify for the state tournament.?It was a great season,” Classical coach Justina Alicudo said, adding that the tournament loss to Haverhill was only by one goal and it happened late in the game.Alicudo lost some key players off that team, including Franki Galeazzi, who will be playing for Salve Regina this fall. There will also be an opening in net with the graduation of Jillian Strileckis, who is attending Skidmore College after doing her first semester abroad in London. Three other starters, Kathy and Jessica Perez, and Krista Cuozzo, were also key to that team?s success. Jessica Perez is planning to play soccer at Regis College.The Rams do have plenty of returning talent, including senior captains Jenn Ierardi, a striker/midfielder, and Taylor Ferraro. Ferraro, a sweeper, has been starting the past three years and pretty much runs the defensive line, according to Alicudo.The junior class will also make its presence known with Ally Dunnigan back on defense, Shannon Magner at striker or center midfield, and Chenysse Hill on defense. Kaitlin Marcinko should also help the team up front. Alicudo said she and her staff have been testing out a few players for goalie, but nothing has been decided yet.?We have some people with a little bit of experience (in net),” she said. “We have so many athletes.”Alicudo had between 35-40 players at practice the first week, including 10 freshmen. She?s hoping to get a few more once school gets going.?We have such a good group back from last year,” Alicudo said. “They keep working hard.”This is Alicudo?s third year as head coach and fourth year with the program. Gina Grassa is back as her assistant and Jackie (Burke) Fisher will coach the junior varsity.The Rams open their season Tuesday, Sept. 2, against St. Mary?s in the Lynn City Tournament.