Girls Soccer: JV Dominates Encinal

In a dominating display of soccer, the junior varsity girls soccer team, led by second-year coach Renee Schoepflin, defeated the Encinal Jets 5-0 in the opening game of the season Thursday, Dec. 2. 

Playing at home, Piedmont controlled the tempo of the entire game both offensively and defensively, getting off 20 shots-at-goal while preventing Encinal from making even a single shot at the Highlanders' goal.  

Leading the offensive juggernaut was freshman Alison Parker, who netted a hat trick. Parker got an assist from Claire Kingston for the Highlander's first goal of the game; she banked the team's fourth goal with a sparklingly header off a deflected crossbar shot from Madison Pribyl from 30 yards out; she closed out the game scoring the Highlander's fifth goal.

In between, freshman Emma Altieri converted Piedmont's second goal with an assist from sophomore Julia Swenson. Swenson then converted her own goal from 25 yards out for the third score. 

Additional shots on goal by Kingston, Pribyl, Tess Reichle, Sophie MacCracken and Stella Sy set the tone for the game. 

Forwards Pribyl, Swensen, Kingston and Marie Knechtli outraced defenders down the sidelines for several exciting runs leading to multiple scoring opportunities in front of the Encinal goal. 

The defense, anchored by Amy Dong, turned aside any attempts by the Jets. 

This young JV squad with 10 freshmen, five sophomores and two juniors will play their strongest opponent at Albany today.

— Sam Dong