Robert F. Hall senior girls' soccer team rose to the challenges

A new start to the senior girls' soccer team began anew. New coaches, new players, and with them, new hopes!

As tryouts began, the team's success seemed unlikely, since there were barely enough players to field a team. However, as practices continued, the girls quickly built up strong bonds of trust and friendship.

Their first test of skill was prior to the start of the season. The team was entered into an outdoor tournament in early April, and found that the competition was more than they expected. Leaving the tournament winless, their hopes seemed dashed and their confidence crushed.

In the first game of the season, the girls took to the field expecting the same disappointment. The girls battled through harsh winds and rain, but still managed to dominate and control the game. They realized that they were capable of defeating their opponents, and their self-confidence began to grow.

Unfortunately, in a quick turn of events, North Park managed to get a lucky shot on our stand-in goalkeeper which would be the only goal of the game. This would be the only loss the girls would suffer for the rest of the season.

In the second game, the girls were starving for victory. They fielded the team hungry for a win. Within no time, the girls managed to score and ended up winning the game in a 3- 1 victory against Bramalea. Goals were scored by defender Carmela Izzi on a free kick, and by forwards Andrea Masina and Jennifer Chianello.

The Hall team craved another win as they prepared for their 3rd game of the season. The girls came out strong and took a 3-0 victory against Braithwaite. Carmela Izzi scored once again on another free kick. Forward Andrea Masina scored the second goal of the game followed by Nicky Vladar who took advantage of an open position in front of the net.

The next few games followed much of the same domination from the Hall team. The girls defeated Turner Fenton in a 3-0 win with goals scored by Brittany Marple, Carmela Izzi, and Jennifer Chianello. Chianello popped in another goal in the next game along with Izzi to end the next game in a 2-1 win against Ascension. Central Peel fell victim to Hall 4-1 with goals scored by first-timers, Karina Biasia and Emily Somerville. Other goals were scored by Masina and Chianello.

The next game was the most challenging of the season - Hall vs. Humberview. The two Caledon schools faced off on Hall's home turf, but both equally wanted the win making it the most exciting game played. Both teams had numerous chances but excellent goaltending on both sides kept the girls trying for more.

Near the end of the first half, Melissa DeFelice managed to sneak by the defence and placed one by the Humberview goalie. The Huskies battled hard to get back the goal and tie the game. In the last five minutes of the game, Humberview got their wish. Humberview's Chloe Creavalle took an excellent shot on net which got through the Hall goalie. Although midfielder Melissa DeGasperis was able to rush back and kick the ball out of the net, the referee felt the ball had crossed over the line and counted the shot as a goal, ending the game in a 1-1 tie.

All players from both teams should be commended on a game well played. Special mention goes out to Hall midfielder Jessica Penney who played one of her best games, and to defenders Stephanie Geiser, Samantha Cianflocca, Jennifer Horton, Rosanna Casalinuova, and Vicenza Sica who held back the Humberview forwards.

With this tie, the girls needed to fight hard to stay in the top three in the standings. With all teams so close in points, these final games were "must-wins."

In the next game against Lincoln Alexander, Hall goalies were the stars. Kaleigh Pitre kept all advances at bay while other goalkeeper, Katie Lawrence, who played in midfield this game, scored two of her own goals on the opposing team. The final goal of the game was scored by Masina who finished the game in a 3-0 victory.

Saving the best for last definitely describes Hall's final season game as they faced off against the firstplace team, Heart Lake Secondary School. Although the girls were nervous to face an opponent in such standing, they came out strong and had many chances on goal.

The game was, once again, dominated by the Hall Wolfpack, but only one goal was scored by Masina for a 1-0 victory which secured Hall's first-place standing!

The girls enter the playoffs this week and anticipate their first playoff game against Rick Hansen with high hopes. They are wished the best of luck!