Senior Day games are a high school tradition. Last Friday was the varsity Girls soccer game to celebrate the class of 2017.  Ward Melville secured the win against William Floyd 4-1. 

Before the first whistle, seniors Rose Lopez, Chelsea Weitz, Sam Lovizio, Kerry McKeever, Madison Hobbes, Hannah Hobbes, Alex Hart; along with captains Mary Kate Whelan, Megan Raftery and Erin O’Connor, took the field and presented flowers to thank their parents for the support. 

From the start of the match, Ward Melville dominated – they attacked the ball and controlled the momentum.  Minutes in, Freshman, Kiley Hamou scored from the save and rebound of her own penalty kick.  Senior, Megan Raftery ruled on defense, having great clears up the middle of the field and almost never letting the soccer ball pass her.  10 minutes after the first goal, Hamou had an assist to Senior, Kerry McKeever.  By the end of the first half, Sophomore, Sam Tarpey was very bored in goal and touched the soccer ball only once – the last seconds of the half. 

Merely 6 minutes into the second half, William Floyd scored. However, that did not stop Ward from preforming – if anything, it made them more determined.  Senior, Erin O’Connor was a constant outlet throughout the match.  Her speed and control of the soccer ball was good enough to fly past any defender who attempted to get in way. 

The last goal of the game was one for the books.  The seemingly effortless goal started when Raftery cleared to Hamou, who then pasted it up the side to Senior, Rose Lopez, she then crossed the ball into the box and Senior, Chelsea Weitz got a touch and the ball ended in the back left corner.  It was clear the girls were going to win, but this made it definite. 

The last minute of the game was truly sentimental for the team.  Coach DiBernardo put all the seniors on the field together.  Nobody was sitting, the team and stand the support was contagious.  The girls on the sideline were standing on the benches happily cheering and screaming; while the spectators were holding posters and face cut-outs of the senior girls, there was no doubt for the girls to show their talent and keep the win at home.