The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team suffered a valiant defeat this afternoon versus Hanover Park in their North II Group 2 State Sectionals Final. Though the scoreboard blared 2-0 in favor of HP at the close of the game, spectators and teammates alike braved the cold and wind for 80 minutes to witness much more than the score revealed.
HP scored within the first four minutes of the game, only to face intense defense from Madison for the remainder of the first half, scoring a fluke goal with just 40 seconds to go. Kristina Qualbin had a few well-placed saves and Madison’s offense came quite close to goals of their own before halftime.
After a rousing halftime pep talk from Coach Lynott, the girls hit the field with new fervor. Most notably, Gabby Conmy chucked the ball onto the field with immense power multiple times, giving her team a leg-up against HP. Bailey Hurst and Mackaella Goodwin both had great shots on goal, narrowly missing each time. Katie Flanagan and Ali Waxgiser played great offense as well. Perhaps most frustrating was the severe lack of fouls against HP, who roughhoused Madison often and without repercussions.
Madison kept a brave face at the conclusion of the game when the HP fans stormed the field and cheered relentlessly. Losing on home turf is tough, but Madison held strong and their fans applauded as the girls left the field.
If there were a single athletic game a fan would have wanted to attend this season, this was it. The girls’ phenomenal teamwork and perseverance was evident and inspiring. Needless to say, their fans and parents are enormously proud of them, as they should be of themselves.
The team remains North II Group 2 Champs after an outstanding season of 14-5-3.
Congratulations to the seniors on their final game: Hannah Bradford, Gabby Conmy, Quinn Hurley, Libby Johnson, Jamie Joubert, Kristina Qualbin, Samantha White, and their manager, Devon Tapp. Your spirit and drive will be missed.