Girls' Soccer Team Riding Off Strong '08 Season

The Summit High School girls’ soccer team was one of Union County’s best in 2008, winning 16 games and advancing to the county tournament quarterfinals before falling to Cranford.

With a veteran group returning from that 16-4-2 squad, fourth-year head coach Christine Bohan believes that the Hilltoppers can be extremely competitive again, especially since they will enter a new conference, namely the Mid-State 39 Athletic Conference-Mountain Division, in a league that houses only Union County opponents.

“It’s a joy and we’re so excited about the league,” Bohan said. “In the past, we played all Morris County schools and we sort of felt separated from the rest, being in Union County. Now, we’re in a division with a great bunch of coaches who all know each other. It’s a league with great players and great teams. It really feels like we’re back where we belong.”

Another player who is back where she belongs is junior goalkeeper Liz Cassin, who was spectacular as a sophomore a year ago, earning All-Union County honors.

“She came on as a freshman in the state playoffs and had to handle penalty kicks,” Bohan said. “She worked very hard last year and had a good season. Now, she’s good with her hands and she’s big when she’s using her feet. It’s a strong asset for her.”

Senior Allie ReDavid is the team’s sweeper and anchor of the defensive backline.
“Allie is a strong player who has control of the field when she’s back there,” Bohan said. “She really has control of everything.”

Senior Caroline Hurckes is the stopper and is another solid defender.

“Caroline is very strong in the air,” Bohan said.

Senior Kelly Radutzky is another returning starter in the defensive backline who earned All-Union honors last season.

“I’m amazed at her ability to mark other players,” Bohan said. “She is always around the ball. We’re hoping to see if we can get Kelly to score a couple goals this season off set pieces.”

Seniors Kylie McKenna and Michelle Burian are also key players in the defensive backline, Senior Maddie Kaplan, a very versatile performer, can play either at back or midfield, but Kaplan is rounding into form after injury.

The midfield is led by talented sophomore Kate Martino, who came on strong last year and earned All-Conference and All-Union County honors with 10 goals and nine assists from the center midfield slot.

“She’s definitely a better player this year,” Bohan said of Martino. “I expect better things from her. You’re definitely going to hear her name a lot this year.”

Senior Caroline Welch and sophomore Eden Smith are almost mirror images of each other in the Hilltopper midfield.

“Both of them are very tall and lightning fast,” Bohan said. “They really complement each other well.”

Others vying for playing time in the Summit midfield are senior Taylor Perry, junior Lauren Zarsky and sophomore Brittany Toffey.

Senior Mary Kelly is the player to watch among the forward line. Kelly only played in half of the Hilltoppers’ contests last year, but still managed to score nine goals.

“She’s definitely a force to be reckoned with,” Bohan said of Kelly. “I think she’s going to have a solid season.”

Others among the forward line include senior Emily Rojas and Meghan Klassen.
Senior Lauren Meyers is a fine reserve vying for time on the wing, while sophomore Kelly Osmulski is another extremely versatile player who can either serve as a defender or a forward.

Bohan likes the makeup of her team.

“We’re pretty consistent throughout,” Bohan said. “They’re all very strong players and that bodes well for us.”

Bohan said that she tried to get a very competitive schedule to match the Hilltoppers’ talent.

“It wasn’t easy,” Bohan said. “I asked anyone who had a chance to be possibly good. I really tried to go out and get the best games.”

The Hilltoppers begin the 2009 season on Sept. 15 against Roselle Catholic at Tatlock Field at 4 p.m.

“I definitely think we’re strong up the middle,” Bohan said. “I think we have good players at all positions. I am so pleased with their work ethic. I’m even challenging them with set pieces and they’re responding. They’re going beyond our basic practice routine and responding to the challenge. We also have strong competition throughout the team for playing time and that’s good for us. I think the change in the conference helps to make us strong. I’m really excited about the season.”

As long as Cassin, Martino and Kelly stay healthy and continue to perform, the Hilltoppers should be a fun team to watch this season.