Girls Soccer: Briarcliff Keeps Rolling

Many schools that have historically good teams believe in the saying “Tradition never graduates.”

That certainly could apply to the girls soccer program.

The Bears had one of the greatest classes in any sport in Section 1 history graduate last June, one that won three state championships.

For most schools, losing that type of talent would mean a rebuilding year the following season.

However, Coach Owen Scully pointed out during the preseason that his program has been a Section 1 fixture over the long haul. His team has played in the Section 1 Class B championship game the last six years, winning four of them in additition to its three state titles.

Now, with the young talent that he knew he had on tap this fall, he was very confident that the Bears winning tradition would continue.

That winning has indeed continued as the Bears through 11 games are in their customary position of contenders with a 8-1-2 record.

“We have great team chemistry, especially with so many young players in the starting lineup,” Scully said. “It’s very satisfying to see how well they have played. I am very proud of the team as a whole.”

One reason why the Bears have played as well as they have is because they have been committed to winning, like their predecessors, right from the first day of training.

“They got together in preseason committed to doing well and the work they have done so far is tremendous,” Scully said. “They have given some wonderful performances.”

One of those players who has performed tremendously well so far is sophomore forward Lauren Miller, who was a key player on last year’s squad that made the Section 1 Class B championship game. Miller is already considered one of the top scoring threats in all of Section 1 and Scully is glad to have her on his side.

“Lauren is really coming into full form right now, even with a little bit of an injury, she is doing wonderfully,” Scully said. “I expect nothing but great things from Lauren the rest of the season.”

Two other young players that have played a big role in the Briarcliff offense have been freshmen midfielders Jenna Heitzler and Sam Kirsch.

“I think Jenna and Sam have both proven to be each a great asset to the team,” Scully said. “Their work ethic is tremendous and they have an uncanny ability to be able to get clutch goals when we need them.”

Defensively, one of the Bears key players has been another standout freshman, Grace Orr.

“Grace Orr has been wonderful,” Scully said. “Again, another younger player but I watched her over the years and she has really coming into her own. She is just a super player on defense for us.”

Scully also noted that freshman Kelsey Simpson has been doing a great job in midfield for the Bears.

All-around, it’s just been a great performance by a group of young, selfless players according to Scully.

“They understand what the tradition is,” Scully said. “They came with full expectations of the legacy that was passed down to them. We are all very excited, very hungry to be able to play at a high level of soccer and be competitive.”

Cassidy Carrafiello, Zoe Koff, Allie Misuraca, Jackie Muniz and Sydney Wolin are the other freshmen Bears on the squad. Sophomores Sarah Goldstein, Sophie Feuer and Camille Giacovas, junior Nora Cusanelli and seniors Gabby De Frutos, Sarah Elkes, Maddy Shaw and Carly Gillet also have helped contribute to the Bears' success and kept their tradition of excellence going.

Briarcliff will host Pleasantville at 4:30 p.m. on Friday in its next match.