Mamaroneck Girls Soccer Ready for Big Season

After losing to Arlington in the sectional semifinals last year, the Mamaroneck girls soccer team is poised to take the next step this season.

The kids are focused and driven," coach Ron Blain said. "They're verydetermined to get further in sectionals."

The Tigers graduated only five seniors — including just three starters — so a strong nucleus returns, including leading scorer Abby Baigelman, an all-section forward who's very strong and quick with the ball.

Baigelman combines well with fellow forward Ashley Laymon, while Anima Banks is a track runner who brings speed and endurance to the midfield and Patricia Galan, a call-up from the JV, is a great addition at central midfield.

"The team is going to be strong in the middle as well as forwards," Blain said. "We have some girls who can definitely put the ball in the back of the net."

The defense is led by Charlotte Alimanestianu, while the two captains — goalie Morgan MacDonald and midfielder Julia Denhoff — will be counted on for leadership.

Blain said that in order to get to the next level, the players need to show a commitment to working hard and pulling together as a team, and that effort starts in practice.

"Games begin in practice," Blain said. "As long as the girls show up and practice hard that result is going to show up in games."

Technically, the team needs to learn to adapt to a faster game.

"As you play more difficult opponents you need to make faster decisions releasing the ball sooner, moving into space," Blain said. "It takes tenacity and quick insight into the game and the way it develops."

The Tigers will get a chance to test themselves in a league that includes Scarsdale and Ursuline, two teams finished 1-2 in the standing last year, though Mamaroneck outlasted both of them in the sectional tournament.

The Tigers will also be making a rare trip up to Section 9 for a game against Monroe-Woodbury.

"They're always a strong team," Blain said. "We played them three years ago and their coach liked our style of play and wanted to play us again and make it a tradition."