Stuart Country Day Soccer Embracing First Year

Stuart Country Day School's soccer players are embracing all of the "firsts" this season, the inaugural one for the all-girls' school.

Stuart is playing in its inaugural season. Coach Megan Lipski and herplayers are enjoying their part in history.

"Their excitement level has been consistent throughout the season," Lipski said. "Once they took the field, they realized it was the first game, the first touch, the first . . ."

Stuart's first game was a 4-1 loss to Princeton Day School on Sept. 14.

That wasn't an ordinary game, though. The first game was played 8 against 8, with 25-minute halves. The game was also stopped by rain and lightning.

"What a way to start," Lipski laughed.

Amethyst Carey scored Stuart's first goal in the game. Harlyn Bell made the first save in goal. Lexus Rodriguez was the first Stuart player to touch the ball.

Harlyn Bell, Amethyst Carey, Yvonne Taylor, Christina Chun, Simrit Gill, Nicolette Andrzejczyk, Lexus Rodriguez and Emily Tyndall made up the starting lineup.

"Who was the first Stuart player to be subbed in?," Lipski wondered aloud. "That's a good question. There has been so much going on, I don't know."

So far this season, Stuart is 1-4. In addition to the loss against PDS, Stuart has also been defeated by Trenton Central (2-1), Lawrenceville (5-0) and Rutgers Prep (5-0). Stuart went up against Trenton's varsity team. The other games were played against a JV squad.

The big game -- well, the biggest game in a big season -- for Stuart came when it defeated The Hun School of Princeton, 2-0, on Sept. 24.

"The girls were ecstatic after that one," Lipski said. "It was an all-around great day. That was the first shutout and win in Stuart soccer history. It was like we all hit the lottery."

Rodriguez and Carey, both captains, scored the goals. 

Carey, Rodriguez, Taylor, Chun, Andrzejczyk, Jennifer Dias and Kenza Qermane are all seniors. Queneisha Jones is the team manager. 

"I think the seniors are a little disappointed because this is their first and last year," Lipski said. "They want to keep playing and playing."

There are games remaining. Stuart will host Hopewell Valley on Oct. 5.

"We're all pretty excited about this season," Lipski said. "We're just riding the wave."

Taking that first bus trip. Unpacking the equipment for the first time. Packing the equipment back up for the first time. The first day, week and month of practices have all paid off.

"The team has a lot to offer regarding their skills and are getting better with each practice and game," Lipski said. "These girls have heart and a desire to succeed -- both on and off the field."

They are also having a lot of fun. After studying history in school all day, it's pretty cool to go out and become a part of it.