Friends of Rachel

I am impressed by the number of girls soccer players involved in the Friends of Rachel Program which works to sustain the positive changes brought to NHS via Rachel's Challenge. It 's great to see so many familiar faces committed to such a worthwhile program.

We have a wide range of leadership opportunities at NHS and the girls soccer team is well-represented in many of them. Let's keep up this trend.

Holliston: 11-11 5 p.m.

Please note that our quarterfinal game against Holliston is at 5:00 p.m. (in Holliston), not 1:00 p.m. as reported by some local papers.

11-9-09: Norton 2; Bourne 0

You should be proud. Today you shut-out an undefeated and 1st seeded team to move us to the quarterfinals. Once again, you did it as a team and were relentless to the end. Keep the momentum going and it will be difficult for anyone to stop us.

The Sun Chronicle
GIRLS SOCCER: Upsets for Norton, D-R
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 2:17 AM EST

Relying upon the strength of their intensive Tri-Valley League schedule, the Norton High girls' soccer team once again proved to be a giant-killer in the MIAA Division 2-South Sectional Tournament Monday.

On the road for the second time in three days, the 17th-seeded Lancers stunned top-seeded and previously-unbeaten Bourne, 2-0, in a first-round match.

Behind second-half goals within six minutes of each other by Nicolette Schuko and Kristin MacGray, the Lancers surprised the South Coast Conference champion Canalmen and advanced to the quarterfinal round of postseason play, visiting No. 8 seeded and fellow TVL member Holliston Wednesday afternoon at 1.

"We wanted to play like we had nothing to lose," said Norton coach Todd Kefor, whose Lancers followed the trend of good teams from good leagues advancing in the postseason. "They were a bit of a mystery to us, they were an imposing team."

But to the Lancers' credit, they blanked Bourne through the first half of play and stopper back Julie Aussubel earned the "man of the match" honors for her shadowing of the Canalmen's leading scorer. "Our defense didn't give up much space," added Kefor, Lancer goalie Audrey Maia totaling seven saves in preserving the shutout. Norton (7-5-7) now meets a Holliston side, to whom it has lost by 1-0 and 3-1 margins.

The Lancers weren't intimidated by Bourne, especially after matching shoves and pushes, winning their fair share of 50-50 balls through the initial 20 minutes. "We felt each other out, there were chances on both sides," added Kefor. "They were big and physical," but by being engaged in a scoreless stalemate by halftime, Norton went hell-bent in the second half.

Schuko challenged the Bourne goalkeeper for space and possession of the ball on a bouncing ball, nudging the ball into the net for the match-winner in the eighth minute. Six minutes later, MacGray got a head on a Kate Ledbetter corner kick for the second Lancer tally.

Norton created 15 shots on goal, 10 during the second half. Alltold, the Lancers have scored six goals and allowed just one in the postseason. "We kind of felt all along through the season, that if we can make it (the tournament) out of our league schedule, the strength of the league would help us," added Kefor.


Girls soccer: Bourne, Falmouth fall
By Cape Cod Times

November 10, 2009

BOURNE – Losing in the state tournament is never easy. But it's particularly frustrating when it comes in the opening round following an undefeated season.

That's what happened to the Bourne girls soccer team yesterday. The top-seeded Canalmen suffered a 2-0 defeat to No. 17 Norton in Division 2 South first-round play, ending the season on a sour note.

All the brackets are here.
“It was a tremendous season. I couldn't ask for more,” Bourne coach Yvonna Rowinski said. “We won the (South Coast Conference) championship. We've never done that before. The girls worked hard. They deserve everything they've gotten.

“But I'm upset, because it's nice to win. We hadn't lost all season until today, so it kind of stinks.”

The Canalmen finish 17-l-1 while the Lancers (8-5-7) move on to face No. 8 Holliston in tomorrow's quarterfinals.

After a scoreless first half, Norton broke through 3:12 into the second half when Nicolette Schuko's high, soft floater eluded goalie Katelyn Hourihan and found the back of the net.

“She did the right thing to come out and get it, but then she lost track of the ball,” Rowinski said. “I think that girl just kicked it with a wish and it went in.”

Once they had the lead, the Lancers went into full defensive mode, leaving only two attackers up front and packing eight into the box. Still, the Canalmen had their chances.

“It was kick-and-run. There was no soccer today. It was kind of ugly, ” Rowinski said. “But we definitely battled. That second goal pretty much deflated us.”

The Lancers padded the lead at 28:56, scoring off a corner. Kristen MacGray headed in a feed from Kate Ledbetter to finish a pretty play and seal the Canalmen's fate.

Bourne's Ryann Chase, the leading scorer in the SCC this season, went out with an ankle injury with 14 minutes left. She returned a few minutes later, but her absence was felt.

“I'm proud of these girls,” Rowinski said. “We didn't win. But there's always next year.”

Boys boot West Bridgewater, girls booted by Norton
The Bourne Courier
Tue Nov 10, 2009, 01:23 PM EST

BOURNE -
The soccer team that wasn’t supposed to have a chance is in the semifinals and the No. 1 seed isn’t, proving almost anything can happen in sports.
Bourne’s No. 11 seeded boys soccer team (9-3-5) trounced No. 6 West Bridgewater 6-0 Sunday and earned a shot at No. 3 Westport (14-2-2). The teams will play at Westport at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Westport blanked No. 14 Cohasset 3-0.
Dan Moscaritolo had two goals while Luke Weatherby, Jeff Small, Justin Desharnais and Kyle Johnson each had one as the Canalmen built a 4-0 halftime lead and coasted past West Bridgewater.
But the top-seeded and previously unbeaten girls soccer team suffered a 2-0 shocking setback to No. 17 Norton in a first-round game. The Lady Canalmen finished 17-1-1.

11-7-09 Norton 4; Hopkinton 1

Excellent game! The team really worked in sync and everyone contributed. Besides playing aggressively and as a unit, you also displayed a lot of poise and composure under the stress of a big game against a tough opponent. Let's ride this wave as far as it will take us.

PS: Heck of a save, Audrey!

The Sun Chronicle

Norton 4, Hopkinton 1

HOPKINTON - Meagan Elliott scored twice, once on a second half penalty shot, as the Lancers of Norton High stunned Tri-Valley League member in the Division 3-South preliminary-round match.

"We didn't do a whole lot different," said Norton coach Todd Kefor, whose Lancers had lost twice by one-goal margins to Hopkinton during the regular TVL season.

Hopkinton employs a flat-back defensive system "and we have difficulty scoring," added Kefor. But, No. 17 seeded Norton (7-5-7) stunned the Hillers by scoring twice within the first 15 minutes of the match and by halftime, the Lancers had created a 3-0 advantage.

Kim Schubert put Norton ahead at the three-minute mark, one-timing a volley of a shot off of a Kate Ledbetter corner kick. Nicolette Schuko scored what proved to be the match-winner for Norton in the 13th minute, finishing off a through ball from Stephanie Powers with a 10-yard shot.

"They rose to the occasion, they played with composure," added Kefor. Norton goalie Audrey Maia was a catalyst, by making nine saves, including one on a point-blank shot in the 10th minute to preserve the one-goal lead.

Elliott created a 3-0 lead for the Lancers in the 30th minute, finishing off a through ball from Kristen MacGray. Then after being tripped inside the penalty box in the 69th minute, Elliott converted the penalty kick. The victory sends Norton into a first round match Monday at Bourne.

Alumni Game: November 28

The annual Alumni Game will take place on November 28. The girls will play at 11 a.m.; the boys at 12:45 p.m.. Following the boys' game there will be a gathering for all players & their families at the Norton American Legion (85 E. Main St.) for burgers, dogs & refreshments courtesy of the Alumni Game Committee. Email for more information at: info@nhsalumnisoccer.org. Please leave your name as a comment here so I can create a roster.

2009 Tournament Qualification

Our comeback victory over Medfield brought with it our first team goal: to qualify for the playoffs. Great game, everyone! You all stepped up and played your role (and then some). Making the tournament for the first time in years is a huge step forward. More importantly, it represents the fact that we are a winning team. It is clear that you are now able to beat every team you play. If we continue to grow as a team and put forth our best effort every day, we can make this season the beginning of a new era in NHS Girls Soccer. I am proud of all of you.

Halftime

We're 2-2-5 at the midpoint of the season. If we continue to work as a team, play our game, and approach each battle with intensity and focus, we'll reach our goal together. Keep up the good work and those ties will turn to wins.

October 1

We were rained out in last year's attempts to watch the Wheaton ladies play; hopefully, we'll have better luck this year. Let's aim for this Thursday game at 4. Wednesday's practice will be extended a bit so your attendance to this game will count as Thursday's practice.

Team Building 8-26

Mr. Dewar will lead a team/leadership building session on Wednesday, August 26 (the day before tryouts begin). The training will take place on the Yelle "pit" field at 2:00 sharp. All girls soccer are expected to attend. Please wear sneakers, comfortable clothes, and bring mosquito spray. It should be a fun and positive way to kick-off the season- I look forward to seeing you there.

Field Clean Up Day

The annual field clean up day is scheduled for Sunday, August 30th from 8-11. All girls soccer players are expected to attend unless there is a conflict with the TPC fundraiser. More information is available on edline.

Physical Exams

We have recently received notice from the athletic director that the following players have either not yet submitted a physical exam or submitted a physical exam which is not current enough to be accepted for the fall season: M. Dole, N. Anderson, B. Betts, A. Ward, M. Elliott, R. Meyer, T. Haygood, K. Fogg, K. Landry, A, Maia, K. Goldberg, and K. Ledbetter. All player records have been checked against the master list in the nurse's office. Current physicals (dated after 7-28-08) will prevent players from participation, so please update your status through the athletic director before the preseason begins.

Scrimmage 7-20-09

The captains have arranged a scrimmage against the NHS boys. It will take place on Monday, 7-20 at 5:00 on the Yelle "pit" field.
All NHS girls are invited to attend.

Preseason Schedule

Captains Practices will take place on the "Pit" field behind the Yelle School beginning August 5, M-W-F from 9-11 am.

Thursday August 27: Double Session Tryouts 9-11 a.m.; 1-3 p.m.
Friday August 28: Double Session Tryouts 9-11 a.m.; 1-3 p.m.
Sunday, August 30: field clean up day (8-11)
Monday, August 31: Double Session Tryouts 9-11 a.m.; 1-4 p.m. (teams determined/uniforms distributed)
Tuesday, September 1: (teachers in school 7 a.m.-2 p.m.) Scrimmage at Bishop Feehan: 4:30 pm; bus leaves NHS at 3:30
Wednesday, September 2: (teachers in school 7 a.m.-2 p.m.) Scrimmage at Canton: 3:30 (varsity and junior varsity); bus leaves NHS at 2:15
Thursday, September 3: Scrimmage (home) vs. Abington High School at 3:30 p.m. (NMS fields)
Labor Day Weekend: TPC/Boosters Fundraiser
Monday, September 7: Practice 2-4
Tuesday, September 8: Season begins: HOPKINTON HOME

Explosion Summer Clinic

Click here to view summer clinic information. Many Norton players, including all of the captains, have committed to the program. Please consider this opportunity as an option for preseason preparation.