by: Michael Sullivan'10
The girls’ soccer team this year has 10 seniors, most of whom are returning players. They also have a new coach, Mr. Saltmarsh, who has a reputation of being a hard worker and has an outstanding background in the game. The preseason expectations were high for this team, but they have only won one game.
The team’s strongest point is how physical they are. The players try to make up for some skill that they lack by being in good shape and working together as a team. Senior captain Amanda Mundorf stated, “We need to learn to trust each other and work hard in practice every day. We have to keep our heads up.” She believes the reason for their struggles early on is because the defense needs to get the ball into the attacking third of the field more quickly.
Another reason for the team’s sluggish start is because the team has a new coach and new assistant coach as well. Mr. Mason has experience as a coach, however, none at the high school level.
Any team with a new coaching staff can expect to have some trouble adapting to each other. So, the effects of having new coaches, especially ones as knowledgeable as these two, should wear off soon. Mr. Saltmarsh was the boys’ team assistant coach last year, and Mr. Mason has coached girls’ soccer at a younger age. This tandem should get these girls on track. The assistant coach had plenty of praise about the new head coach, Mr. Saltmarsh. “There’s nothing he doesn’t know. He’s prepared, he brings energy, and he has a passion for the game.”
Mr. Mason knows the season is going to turn around because their offense can’t be as unlucky as they have been so far. “These girls are willing to work and listen to their captains. We will definitely finish over .500,” he said.
Westfield High School Senior john Camerota, an avid girl’s soccer fan, has been to most of their games and has observed many key aspects of the team. He remarked, “Amanda Mundorf is a leader up front, Amy Hewins plays good in the back, Sara Boersig holds in down, and Briana Kubik is goaltending well.” He also commented that he was impressed with their passing but they need to finish better.
When any team changes coaches, a rough patch is to be expected at the beginning of the season, but these girls seem to be coming out of their slump. Mr. Mason said, “I don’t know if I’d call it struggling, with the new coaches, injuries, and close games, we just need to capitalize on scoring and we’ll be fine.”
As the season progresses, look for the Lady Bombers to come on much stronger. For now though, the best part of their games may be the cheering section. The team’s supporters bring a lot of energy to the games. Camerota summed it up saying, “Oh yeah, we bring the house down.”