With last year’s state tournament exit still stinging, and a strong pre-season in the books, Randolph Girls Varsity Soccer opened the 2023 regular season with a win over Mount Olive, 2-0, on Sept. 9. The victory was particularly sweet following Mount Olive’s promotion last season to the conference’s top division over Randolph, which was moved down to the second conference.
“It was a great team effort against a quality team, resulting in a well-earned win,” head coach Kimberly Bradley said. “We were well prepared and excited to play. We came into the game with a chip on our shoulder, home field advantage and something to prove.”
Midway through the first half, freshman outside midfielder Carly Renna drove the ball up the right side, out maneuvered the Mount Olive defender and played a great ball across the 6, where junior co-captain Rylie Van Wingerden slammed it home to put the Rams up 1-0.
A few minutes later, sophomore Carlie Wysocki made a run into the right side of the box and took a shot that hit the crossbar. Moments later Wysocki followed with a drive into the left side of the box where she skillfully chipped the ball over the Mount Olive keeper, giving Randolph a 2-0 lead heading into the half.
In the second half, junior co-captain JoJo DeNegri, along with Van Wingerden kept constant pressure on the Mount Olive defense for the remainder of the game. The Rams were supported by outside midfielders Carly Renna, Ella Garry and Cora Kim.
Junior goalkeeper Kate Sullivan made several saves and kept the team at a 2-0 lead with a clean game. Sullivan was assisted by a strong defensive effort led by senior co-captain Rayna Soto at center back and a powerhouse effort from outside backs sophomore Lilah Willis and freshman Lulu Wegner, along with freshman holding midfielder Amaya Soto and junior center midfielder Chelsea Renna.
Randolph also got a strong effort off the bench from Tamara Khattab, Kayla Brand and Julia Miluzzo.
The team faces off against Pope John on Monday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m. at DaSilva Field.
