Port Jefferson wins state Class C girls soccer title
At the time, there was only dejection. The Port Jefferson girls soccer team had just lost to Bronxville by three goals in the state Class B final, a heartbreaking conclusion to its 2014 season.
At the time, the young Royals weren't thinking about next season, or the fact that, with not a single player graduating, they would have another great chance to make a title run.
"It was very difficult because we got so close and then to fall apart in our last game," junior Clare O'Connor said.
"It was just hard on everyone."
That was a year ago. One year to grow and mature, to build a strong team chemistry even stronger, to let the devastation simmer into an insatiable desire.
"We really, really wanted to come back this year and redeem ourselves," junior Jillian Colucci said.
On Sunday, the Royals did just that with a 3-1 win over Elmira Notre Dame in the Class C final at SUNY Cortland. Port Jefferson (15-2) replaced last year's memory with a new one:
State champions for the first time in program history.
Coach Allyson Wolff said: "Our motto this year was 'Strong alone, unstoppable together' . . . You can see the confidence that they've gained, and the way that loss fueled their determination to get back here."
"I'm just so proud of the way the girls worked as a team to accomplish this."
In the 22nd minute, Colucci dribbled up the right side and crossed to a cutting O'Connor for a goal that gave Port Jefferson a 1-0 lead. Brittany Fazin scored on a laser from 20 yards -- her third goal of the weekend -- to put the Royals up 2-0, but Laurel Vargas' goal in the 39th minute brought Notre Dame back to within one.
Port Jefferson sophomore goalkeeper Brianna Scarda, who had four saves, made a stop on a free kick in the 58th minute. One minute later, Colucci headed O'Connor's perfectly placed cross into the net for the finishing touch on Port Jefferson's championship season.
"After the way last year ended," Colucci said, "it's even that much sweeter."
