LYNN —- With both Lynn English and Lynn Classical not qualifying for the postseason, Tuesday night marked the end of many players’ careers.
The Rams got the better of the Bulldogs in a 7-0 final, but the sights and sounds at Manning Field were more so about the seniors.
English coach Madison Molea had nothing but pleasantries for her senior group.
“Angela (Martinez) is one of our senior captains. She is a four-year varsity starter and keeps us in a lot of games. She’s excellent in her position,” Molea said. “She’s a leader on and off the field and excels academically. She’s been a tremendous player for us all four years.”
“We have three other seniors as well: Juanita Zapata, Bezajia Forchchap, and Kim Mayorga. Juanita has played for us for two years, and the other two, it was their first year playing,” Molea said. “They have been great additions to the team. They bring positive attitudes and hard work.”
For Classical, seniors Lauren Wilson, Rachel Dana, Sienna McLean, Diane Lopez, and Karla Perez left victorious.
“It’s been awesome because I’ve gotten to know our seniors for three years. They’ve been a huge part of the team,” said Classical coach Jessica Gambale. “From Lauren Wilson being our goalie, Rachel Dana being a huge part of our defensive line, and Sienna McLean playing wherever we needed her, we were really happy.”
Gambale added she’s “never seen a harder-working group of girls.”
“They’re leaving it all out there from minute one to the final whistle,” she said.
As for Tuesday, Classical jumped out to an early lead as Dana found herself in the penalty box and calmly took a touch before rifling it in for a 1-0 cushion.
“Rachel has been so awesome to spend time with. She’s a great captain, friend, and teammate,” Gambale said. “I’m just honored to be able to coach her.”
Classical’s Mea Papazoglou scored a beautiful, left-footed goal to make it 4-0 with 12:05 remaining in the half.
Despite Classical bringing a 5-0 lead into the break, it could have been a lot more if not for English’s Gracie Mulloy, who finished with 21 saves.
“This was Gracie Mulloy’s first time playing soccer and she kept us in a lot of games throughout the season… I have to tip my hat to her,” Molea said.
Wilson and Liliana Parker (first varsity goal) each scored in the second half to make it 7-0, the eventual final.
Scoreboard aside, Molea was proud of Hannah Claffey.
“Hannah Claffey had an unreal game today. She never quits and has the fight of a Bulldog,” Molea said. “I hope she continues to grow and progress leading up to next year.”
When reflecting, Molea believes her group can take a lot from a difficult year.
“The season didn’t go as we wanted it to go, but from day one to now, I’ve seen so much improvement in the girls,” she said. “It can be hard when you’re losing, but game after game, they never quit and always worked hard in practice.”
“We have eight juniors, so we hope to come back stronger,” Molea said.
Goal scorers:
Rachel Dana
Sienna McLean
Mea Papazoglou
Gianna Parker
Liliana Parker
Tatiana Lazo
Lauren Wilson
