Submitted by Janice Calvi-Ruimerman
Mercy came to Higganum with retribution on their minds and vengeance cradling their sticks as they defeated the HK Varsity 10-9, while HK JV won 9-3.
Monday, May 16, 2022, Mercy came on the field seeking revenge for their loss on April 22. In the first half, Mercy’s aggressive offense took charge, scoring 9 goals to HK’s 1 goal. Not sure what was said at half-time, but HK regrouped, took the field, and scored 8 back-to-back goals. Samantha “Sammy” Ruimerman controlled the ball on draw, giving HK the opportunity they desperately needed. This was another true Battle of the Titans, as goals were scored by Seniors Yumi Imai (4 goals), Grace Cassidy (2 goals), accompanied by Sophomores Samantha “Sammy” Ruimerman (1 goal) and Jaimey DiNapoli (1 goal) and Freshman Seanna “SeaSea” Ruimerman (1 goal). Sophie Ramino and Georgia Cancroft pushed the ball upfield as Mercy’s defense pushed back. In the last 3 minutes of the game, Mercy held the ball to HK’s dismay, leaving Mercy with the 1-point win.
The Junior Varsity (JV) team was not going to let that happen again and were ready for business. Freshman goalie Gabby Williams led the JV game, defending the Cougars box, aggressively encouraged by the infectious cheers of her biggest fan, her aunt. The final score of 9-3 gave the HK JV the win they wanted. Scorers this go-round were Sophomores Brigette Battistoni, Aly Campbell, Caroline Ignatuck and Jaimey DiNapoli, and Junior Jenna Whitmer. Senior goalie Rhianna “Rhi” Phipps, who started for Varsity, held the JV steady in the second half, leaving the Mercy girls empty at the buzzer.
Great game, Lady Cougars. Way to keep those sticks up!
See the full season’s game schedule on HKHS Athletics website.
