Monroe Township Middle School cross country, soccer, and field hockey success
by EMILY FODOR
Editor-in-chief
Here at the high school, we don’t often hear about the success that middle school students have in sports. However, this is what we have in our future, and we’re bound to improve with the up-and-coming talent.
Girls soccer, led by Coach Leigh Vogtman, had an exemplary season. With a record of 7-2-3, the team exerted their best effort with the help of captains Kaitlyn Mascali, Kayla Landis, Allie Hommer and Erin Seppi. Scorers that led the team to their 7 wins and 3 ties include Brooke Bussiere, Sarah Paone, Brianna Pasqua and Allie Hommer.
Coach Vogtman says, “We had so many great contributors this season. All players had important roles and added something special to the success of this team.”
Without their talented goal-keepers, the team would not have been complete. Erin Seppi and Kassidy Uthiem split time on the field and both had a number of great saves.
Not only did soccer have extreme success, but field hockey stepped it up as well. Their only loss was in the beginning of the season and was responsible for their limitless determination for the rest of the season. Led by Coach Katy Elias and captains Grace Martini, Ashlyn Peterson, Jenna Morelli and Alexis Land, victory was achieved intensely; especially against South Plainfield and Metuchen.
Coach Elias says, “All of the girls worked hard all season and made our school proud, by their determination to succeed, everyone contributed to what was a great winning season.”
With fierce competitors like South Brunswick in the league, the team would not accept defeat. The intensity of SB accounted for 3 of their ties. However, talented forwards Samantha Olcott, Emily Guerin, Nithya Bheeman and Josie Pagano and goalkeeper Zoe Rosen persevered and ended the season with an astounding record of 7-1-4.
Last, but certainly not least, led by Bill Jacoutot and Gary Snyder, the MTMS Cross Country accomplished great goals. The boys team completed the season with a 5-2 record led by captains Jared Parisen, Frank Gumina, Evan Pron, and Matt Horn. The team was aided by many returning 2010 runners and first year runners Nick Lombard and Eric Heatter. By the end, the boys ranked 3rd overall in the county and were not too far ahead the girls of MTMS.
The Girls Cross Country, although finishing under .500 for the season, displayed impressive numbers as well. Team captains and top 10 finishers Amanda Koluda and Holly Morgans were solid throughout the season and were responsible for encouraging their teammates.
Coaches Jacoutot and Snyder say, “Up and coming runners Brianna Deluca and Samantha Lucas are sure to bolster the girls’ 2012 season.”
The girls finished with a respectable 8th in the county.