One year ago in the first round of playoffs, the girls’ soccer team lost in heartbreaking fashion to Churchill, with a 7-6 defeat in shootouts. There was no doubt the loss left a mark on returning players and coaches heading into this season.
Luckily for the Wildcats, it is that time of year again. With the Cats’ first-round game scheduled at home against B-CC on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., the team is geared up for a chance at redemption from last year’s first-round exit.
“It always is a source of motivation when you have a loss like that, sometimes it’s better to have a (blowout) loss than it is to come down to the very last second in a situation that could go either way. So it’s definitely a source of motivation, and we’re looking forward to that first round again,” head coach Neil Gottlieb said.
The six-seeded Barons come into the contest with a 7-5 record, with two more losses than the three-seeded Cats. The winner of Wednesday’s showdown will move on to face Quince Orchard in the second round.
In their only matchup this season played at B-CC, the Wildcats came out on top with a 2-1 victory in a close contest. The win was made even more impressive considering the absence of two of WJ’s captains: senior defenseman Ella Hoban and junior midfielder Evie Avillo. There is optimism for a similar outcome on Wednesday.
Despite the exciting playoff contest against a rival school, the Cats also know they have things to work on to be successful in the playoffs this time around. Throughout the season, finishing scoring chances and putting goals in the back of the net has been a weakness for WJ.
“We worked really well together and had a lot of good team chemistry. I think we could’ve played better in some games, but overall a lot of positive things came out of the season,” sophomore goalie Chloe Russ said. “I think a lot of (finding success in the playoffs) comes down to finishing the shots that we’re getting. We’re playing really well on the defensive side and the midfield, and overall we’re playing really well.”
The Wildcats’ season has had its ups and downs, but the Cats have been working hard in preparation for the postseason.
“We started off a little rocky with the loss against Oakdale and QO. But I think that our team chemistry has gotten good and we’ve been able to come back,” Gramilch said. “We need to make sure we’re continuing to work hard, and scoring goals. Sometimes we have trouble putting it in the net, even when we’re dominating a game. So if we work hard on our shooting and make sure to finish (shots) and maintain possession, we’ll do well.”
