Girls Soccer Ready for Another Run at State Title

After reaching the threshold of the Class L championship game last season, the Masuk High School girls soccer team is poised to make another strong run at that elusive first state title.

With seven returning seniors and only a few holes to fill from last year's 15-3-4 team, Masuk coach Eleanor Brainard is confident her team has the tools and the know-how needed to get past the state tournament semifinals, which was the stopping point for the program for four of the last five seasons.

"One of the key things in the outcome of last season is that there were a lot of sophomores and juniors who played key roles and now they are the juniors and seniors, so we have a good foundation," Brainard said. "I hope that they will take that experience of going through the playoffs and being challenged and put it to good use."

Senior co-captains Marissa Maiolo and Kathleen Snajder bring solid leadership to the defending SWC champs and the offensive spark needed to replace last year's leading scorer, Katie Garaffa, who graduated last spring.

Maiolo will anchor the midfield from the center with the help of returning junior Samantha Vlahos at her side and junior Stephanie Palmer playing a defensive midfield spot.

Snajder returns to her starting forward position and will receive some offensive assistance from junior Asilyn McKewon, who moved up to the top after an aggressive performance at center midfield last season.

Senior co-captain Emily Antenucci heads a developing defense from the keeper spot. The Panthers lost two starting outside defenders to graduation and seniors Ali Mauro and Amy Klopp will be stepping into the starting roles. Junior center defender Jillian Scholler and Antenucci will provide stability as the new starters develop. Junior Laura Mangone will also see some time on defense.

The season should also give Masuk fans a good look at next year's goalie, sophomore Megan Fitzgerald, who has impressed in practice.

As this year's Panthers aim to make history, Brainard said they have already made a lasting impression with their high level of focus and preparation.

"I can honestly say this is an amazing group of girls in their work ethic," she said. "They show up on-time, dressed right and work their butts off on practice. We have two-hour practices that are all of a sudden done and all we've done is hard work the whole time. One of the fun parts of coaching high school soccer – or high school athletics in general – is that there is such a huge sense of pride in the players. Every year, teams want to leave their mark on Masuk soccer and continue our tradition."