Redwomen Earn 5-0 Shutout in Season Opener

A 5-0 shutout isn't such a bad way to start out a season.

The Tewksbury Memorial High School girls' soccer team opened its season with a bang against Notre Dame Academy Tuesday afternoon. The underclassmen stole the show, as freshman Alyson Spencer delivered two goals in her high school soccer career debut, and sophomore Nicole Chaet registered two goals of her own.

The game kicked off Kelly Barrio's first season as TMHS varsity girls' soccer coach, and she couldn't have hoped for a better first outing.

 "The win feels great. Everyone did really well," Barrio said.  "It was my first game (as head soccer coach) and I'm really proud of the girls. Alyson Spencer is a freshman and did amazing. She has played a lot of soccer and is a really strong player."

The Redwomen came out strong, registering multiple shots on goal within the first 10 minutes of the game. It was clear it was only a matter of time before they would be able to put one away, and that time came when Chaet scored about 15 minutes in off a nicely placed corner kick.  

With momentum on Tewksbury's side, Spencer scored less than a minute later and the Redwomen took a quick 2-0 lead. Chaet was able to tack on yet another goal before the half, widening the gap and taking a 3-0 lead.

Minutes into the second half, Chaet was able to score again thanks to an assist by Sara Semenza. Tewksbury's April McDermott also scored one last time for the Redwomen, locking in the 5-0 victory.

Senior co-captain Lauren Spencer also had a strong outing. She dominated the midfield and created multiple scoring opportunities. Overall, it was a successful outing for the Spencer sisters, who both heavily contributed to the Redwomen's first win.

Next up, the Redwomen will take on the Wilmington Wildcats on Friday at the Saunders Recreation Complex on Livingston Street at 3:30 p.m. 

"It's a pretty good rivalry. We know Wilmington is a strong team so it should be a really good match," Barrio said.