BY JOSH LASHLEY
WEST MILFORD — Because of the way in which they conducted themselves on and off the field, all members of the West Milford High School girl’s soccer program are able to reflect with fondness and pride at all they accomplished during the 2016 season.
The Highlanders tallied a winning overall record of 11-9-2.
“We had a special year,” West Milford head coach Roberto Zuban said. “In the last two years we have seen a great improvement of the soccer program, the enthusiasm is back, we are competitive and we will work hard to keep it that way.
“For the first time in our history we had three players being awarded First Team All-County - seniors Kelsey Harrison, Cristina Pellegrino and freshman Sam Kroeger. It is extremely rare to have a freshman getting that award. I will always remember the expressions of happiness and the singing on the buses after our away wins. What a season.”
Zuban recalls some of the most satisfying victories that the Highlanders earned this fall.
“For the first time in our program we beat all our (Independence Division) opponents, some in division play, some in the Passaic County Tournament,” Zuban said. “There were special moments that this team will always remember. Our first regular season win at Lakeland in the last 10 years, our victory at Wayne Hills in the quarterfinals of the Passaic County Tournament, winning at Paramus Catholic on their Senior Night, knocking off Lakeland from the [NJSIAA North 1 Group 2 Sectional] Tournament. The special one was eliminating the undefeated and State finalist Wayne Valley in the semifinals of the Passaic County Tournament.”
Harrison, Kroeger and Pellegrino were among the team leaders for West Milford this year.
“Pellegrino (captain) had a great season scoring 17 goals and seven assists,” Zuban said. “Harrison (captain) anchored our defense. Both of them four years varsity players who lead by example. Our goalie Olivia DelColliano had key saves in our elimination games. Jackie Wilhelm had a great season as a role player. Kroeger was the most important addition to our team. Sam plays for the U14 US National team. She also participates in regional and national showcase tournaments with World Class, a club team based in Orangeburg, New York.”
The head coach was happy with the way each and every player on the roster was dedicated toward improvement throughout the course of the season.
“For us to have had this unforgettable season, all our players showed improvement from the pre-season,” Zuban said. “Our juniors Alexa Barca, Melanie Dell’Olio, Denise Severini, Lindsay Rector and Amanda Gerity brought experience and attitude and were great contributors to our success. They helped our freshmen Sera Agostinelli and Riley McGill to perform above expectations. Sophomore Katey Choma had a frustrating season due to injuries but she rebounded and had a key role at season’s end. Also Sophomore Natalie Marzalik stepped up as a goalie when her number was called.
“We will miss seniors Anneke Green, Nicole Brown, Samantha Huebner, Christina Cano, Jenna Jacobs and Sarah Barrett for their commitment and leadership through the years to help improve the program.”
The fall of 2017 is in the not too distant future and the Highlanders have ample reason to be optimistic.
“What we have done in the last two seasons is improve the way we play the game and instill the belief that we can compete with the best,” Zuban said. “That continues to be our goal.
We are bringing 14 varsity players back, eight of them starters. We are looking forward to have solid contributions from sophomore Jamie Larson, and freshmen Marisa Ehrmann, Kristen Graf, and Nicole Soreco.”
NOTE: High Point defeated West Milford in the quarterfinal round of the North 1 Group 2 Sectional Tournament.