Absegami Girls' Soccer Team Scores Late in Win Over Mainland

Erica Skroski and Lindsey Jarolmen made sure that the Absegami High School girls' soccer team received the result it deserved on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The Braves dominated host Mainland in Linwood for most of the contest, but still found themselves deadlocked with the Mustangs late in the contest.

That all changed when Skroski headed in the game-winner with roughly 10 minutes remaining for a 2-1 win in the Cape-Atlantic League game.

It was the third straight victory for Absegami, which improved to 4-1.

“This is a big game for our conference and we had to take advantage of it,” Skroski said. “Before the game we said it was a big game and it
feels great we came away with a win.”

Jarolmen sent a cross over the Mainland defense, and Skroski perfectly timed her jump to get enough on the header to beat the Mainland goalie.

From there, the Absegami midfield and defense kept the Mustangs away from goal to preserve the victory.

“I just saw Lindsey (with the ball) and she has a big left foot, so as soon as I saw she got it on the left side, I knew it was me,” Skroski said. “She passed it and it was perfect.”

“She is the type of player that can change the momentum of the game,” Absegami coach Elizabeth Lee said. “She controls the center of the field and Lindsey made a great cross, but if Erika doesn’t get there
we don’t win the game. She is a dynamic player and she is great in the air.”

Absegami, among the best teams in South Jersey, outshot Mainland, 20-5. The Braves opened the scoring in the first half, as Skroski
found Jordynn Bishop with a cross. Bishop found the back of the net
for a 1-0 lead.

Although Absegami controlled the pace of the game, and spent most of the time in Mainland's end, they struggled to add to their lead.

Instead, a handball on the Braves gave the Mustangs a chance to even
the score. Jessica Mann made the most of the opportunity, converting on a penalty kick early in the first half.

Absegami overcame the penalty kick and an injury to Elisa DiRenzo, who seemed to injure her rib. She went to seek further evaluation after the game.

The Braves were able to shake off the goal and the frustration of being tied in a game they controlled, not to mention that they played a game on Tuesday.

“This is the second game we had a penalty kick from a handball to even the score,” Lee said. “That’s tough. It can deflate you or it can
motivate you. We were motivated to score. When you dominate possession, it doesn’t always mean you win, but we pressed forward and knew we needed to score.”