The Cherry Hill East Girls Soccer team celebrated Senior Day as they defeated Camden Catholic at home on October 17. The seniors on the team are Natalie Hay (‘19), Paloma McMurphy (‘19), Jenna Ringold (‘19), Emily Saidel (‘19), Lexi Schaffer (‘19), Roni Schaffer (‘19), Emma Stopek (‘19) and Calli Ungerleider (‘19).

The Cougars won after scoring two goals and only letting up one, making the final score 2-1.

During the first half, the girls had many shots and opportunities, but could not finish them off. Substitute goalie, Stopek made amazing saves, not letting in a goal at the beginning of the game. Both teams struggled to put a number on the board in the rise of the first half, but with eight minutes remaining, East took control. Lexi Schaffer scored a goal, making the score 1-0.The girls lead at halftime 1-0.

At halftime, the Senior Day ceremony began. The seniors whose time at East playing soccer were soon to be concluded, were announced and given flowers on center field beside their parents. The seniors each were applauded by their families, friends and fellow teammates. The girls were recognized for their contributions to the team.

Saidel said, “My favorite part of Senior Day is coming together as a team to celebrate our successes over the past four years.”

The freshmen, sophomores and juniors on the team were given the name of a senior and made gift baskets and posters for them. Ungerleider said she loves how much the team bonds on the special day.

Jacy Dickstein (‘22) said, “It makes me realize how important the senior’s are to us and how much they contribute to our team.”

As the second half commenced, East had the ball and a back-and-forth game occured. Within fourteen minutes of the half starting, Isabella Rossetti (‘20) slid into the box, but no foul was called. Rosetti got hurt by the slide, taking her out of the game but she later returned. Not too long after, with twenty-five minutes to go in the entire game, Lexi Schaffer struck a corner kick and Carly Nothnagel (‘20) headed it into the goal making the score 2-0. As the girls were on top most of the game, with five minutes left, a cross was made by Camden Catholic in the box. A Camden Catholic player headed the ball into the back of the net, making the score 2-1. The rest of the game played out and ended with the East girls wining.

After the game, the girls celebrated by eating cupcakes for not only Senior Day but their triumph. They look forward to hopefully getting some wins in the playoffs.

“We feel excited and optimistic for the playoffs” said Saidel.

The girls play in the tournament at Shawnee on Friday, October 19. The Cougars record is now 7-8.