The girls’ soccer team made their senior night one to remember with a commanding 4-1 victory over Gaithersburg. The night was a celebration of not just soccer, but also the dedication, hard work and memories that the class of 2026 has left on the program.
“This senior night was really cool because we all got to start together, and to me it was a full circle moment as I remember watching it my freshman year,” senior Caroline Lasko said.
The Cats came out energized, feeding off the cheers of family, friends and teammates as each senior was honored before the match in a ceremony.
The match itself quickly turned intense, with both teams fighting hard for control. Throughout the night, the Cats promptly set the tone with senior captains Evie Avillo and Erinn Carr scoring back-to-back goals. For the seniors who scored, the moment carried extra meaning. Scoring on their special night felt like the perfect ending to years of dedication.
With seven seniors graduating, including Avillo and Carr, the team reflected on the legacy this class leaves behind. From clutch overtime wins to unforgettable team dinners and sleepovers, this class has left a mark on WJ soccer that will weigh into future seasons.
“It goes beyond becoming better players. It’s about the way they’ve stepped up and handled academics, made tough decisions and still put so much into building a winning soccer program and culture. The seniors have put in so much work over the last four years, and I’m proud to have been a part of their journey,” Head Coach Neil Gottlieb said.
Though next season will look different without these seniors, the team is hopeful that their example will inspire the next generation of Wildcats. These seniors will savor one last home win under the lights, ending the night with hugs, laughter and cake.
“There will definitely be a loss of spirit and leadership; the seniors guided us through every win and loss, helping keep everyone’s mind focused,” sophomore Sofia Marini said.
As the players walked off the field, it became clear that senior night was about more than soccer. It was a celebration of the unforgettable bonds formed on the field and the resilience and teamwork that the seniors modeled throughout their soccer careers at WJ.
Just a few days after the excitement of senior night, the Wildcats faced a tough Richard Montgomery team, resulting in a 1-0 loss. Despite giving their all on the field, the team struggled to convert certain opportunities in their attacking third.
“The other team wanted it more than we did at times; they put more effort into the 1v1’s creating more opportunities for themselves,” Marini said.
Even in defeat, the seniors’ leadership was still evident. Their effort and determination set an example for the underclassmen, showing how to stay focused until the final whistle. Though the result was not what the Wildcats hoped for, the standard they have set this season will continue to push them into the postseason.
