Pawling Tigers Girls Soccer

Coaches Kerry Pinelli and Lou Lattrell will depend on seniors Nikki Piazza, Kaitlin Basso and Andrea Benegas this season, backed up by strong junior and sophomore classes with players who started and got much playing time last year.

Pinelli would like to field a full varsity and JV, but the turnout at this point puts the program right on the edge, requiring the coaches to decide whether to have a JV. Students who would like to play could very well get playing time on the JV if they report now and give Pawling enough players to fill out the full junior varsity.

“It is crucial to a successful program that we have all 3 levels, modified, JV and varsity), so that all of the players can get playing time on their own level and can move up each year,” said Pinelli. “I'm still waiting on final numbers once we return to school in order to put in my final roster, and we will decide then whether we can field a junior varsity team.”

The returning players give the Tigers strength and experience all over the field, and Pinelli said she has confidence in the team’s ablility.

“We should be very strong through our midfield this year as it is my most experienced line,” Pinelli said. “I am looking to them to be team leaders and really distribute and move the ball up the field to set it up for the forwards. In practice we have been working hard on creating space, giving the person with the ball passing options, supporting players and passing for possession. Last year we had some difficulty with these and often players had to work too hard on their own to move the ball, resulting in frustration and lots of possession losses.”

She talked about her experienced seniors.

“Nikki Piazza is a fourth year varsity player, usually a midfielder, but a very versatile player,” Pinelli said. “She will be playing both forward and midfield positions this season. We are looking for her to step up, have another great seson and be a team leader

“Kaitlin Basso is also a fourth year varsity player and a midfielder. She is a consistent and solid player, always puts forth maximum effort, and we are looking for her to have a strong team leading season.

“Andrea Benegas did not play last season, but played the prior two. She is primarily defense, but another versatile player who will play anywhere on the field she is needed and will do a great job for us.”

Juniors:

“Jessie D'Ottavio is a third year varsity player who will be starting as goal keeper. Hopefully, we can get her out on the field, too. She is a tremendous athlete who can play any position you ask her. She is very dependable and very coach-able, and we are looking for another strong season from her.

“Emma Carlson, a second year varsity player, will be our defensive midfielder, and she is a strong, aggressive player.

"Kady Rotondo is a junior in her second Year on varsity. She plays defense, she is a very powerful and aggressive athlete, we are looking forward to her strength in the back.'

Sophomores:

“Rebecca Paugh is in her second year on varsity, a midfielder. She had a strong season last year, and we are looking for her to keep up the good work.

“Veronica Liffland is in her second year on varsity in our defense. She is a smart defensive player with lots of speed.

“Ariana Muscente is a midfielder is a second year player on the varsity, a very good and versatile player who will play any where she is asked.

“Jenica Ross is in her second year on varsitya, a defenseman, a very strong and fast player who will play anywhere you ask her too.

“Maria Gaitan is in her second year on varsity, a forward who is very coachable and willing to learn.

“Elizabeth Broderick is her second year on defense for the varsity. She is deceptive, small in stature but plays like a giant.

“Other possible newcomers to varsity may be Starla Castle and Shannon Clemente

“We are going to vote on captains this Friday. Starters will probably change with each game, but my three seniors and two Juniors will definitely start each game.”