Submitted by Janice Calvi-Ruimerman
(May 9, 2023) –— This Cinco de Mayo contest between Haddam-Killingworth and Mercy was no fiesta to start. Despite HK’s quick two points on the board, the Mercy girls regrouped and came out strong, quickly gaining possession and scoring on HK. With a surprising twist of the scoreboard, HK went into the half down two points to Mercy’s six.
Mercy, mercy, mercy was the cry in the second half of this game, however, as HK changed the draw. Senior captain Audrey Wrinn consistently drew the ball to midfielder Samantha (Sammy) Ruimerman for possession, thereby giving HK’s midfielders the opportunity to get the ball down field for the attack players to do their job and score. And score they did.
With long passes and ground ball possessions, HK quickly turned this game around. Defender Senior Julia Favalora made an epic steal bringing HK to a two-point lead over Mercy. And the defensive line of Senior Juliana (J-Gag) Gagliardi, along with Juniors Te’a Norman, Peyton Tyler, and Brigitte Battistoni kept Mercy there, protecting the HK net for Sophomore Goalie Gabrielle (Gabby) Williams to block/save several attempts on goal.
Goals were scored in multi-pass plays by Senior Captains Sophie Ramino 3, Jenna Whitmer 1, Audrey Wrinn 3, Georgia Cancroft 2, Juniors Jamie DiNapoli 1 and Aly Campbell 1 – with a beautiful jump shot, Sophomores Ava Ramino 2 and Seanna (SeaSea) Ruimerman 1 penalty shot.
The energy was buzzing as the HK Junior Varsity took the field. Not to be outdone by their Varsity teammates, Senior Ellie Frith quickly took possession on the draw. Mercy had no prayer when it came to HK’s net as the JV defenders pressured the Mercy attack while HK’s midfielders and attack team gracefully carried the ball for the goal, resulting in a Cougars victory with a score of 5-3 over the Mercy Tigers.
Both games were truly won as a TEAM and the victory was a collaboration of power plays, ball possession, and precision ball handling. Remember, girls, keep that momentum going because, as we all know, together everyone achieves more (T.E.A.M).
See the full season’s game schedule on HKHS Athletics website.
