Port Jefferson girls fall in state Class B final
Port Jefferson's Jillian Colucci, left, stays focused just moments from scoring the second goal during their NYSPHSAA girls soccer state semifinal game against Aquinas in Homer, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. Credit: AP / Heather Ainsworth
As the young, teary-eyed Royals lined up after the game, a fan in the stands shouted some words of encouragement.
"You're only 15!" the Port Jefferson fan said, referring to the youth of the girls soccer team. Many of the players are 15; none is older than 16.
The hardest part about losing a title game is saying farewell to the seniors who came so close to ending their career with a title. Well, the Royals don't have any seniors.
Despite the disappointment of losing to Bronxville, 3-0, in the state Class B final at SUNY Cortland, they can take solace in the fact that each and every one of them has another chance. "This is the youngest team Port Jeff has ever had, and no girls varsity soccer team from our school has ever made it this far," keeper Noelle Zimmermann said. "So even just to be playing on this field was an amazing opportunity for us."
Mason Warble knocked in a rebound to give Bronxville a 1-0 lead 3:55 into the game. Zimmermann made a series of saves during a scramble before Caitlin Fryer made it 2-0 with 33:10 left. Lucy Kohlhoff added a goal midway through the second half to seal the win.
What many expected to be a rebuilding year -- with five freshmen, eight sophomores and three juniors -- became the most successful season in program history as the Royals (16-2-3) advanced to the state tournament for the first time.
"Second place is not something we should be ashamed of," Jillian Colucci said. "If we made it this far this year, we're going to be even better next year. So hopefully we'll be back."
Each and every one of them.
