Crusaders' Sobierajski is Player of the Year
MOUNTAIN LAKES _ Morris Catholic's Tara Sobierajski was named Player of the Year and Villa Walsh's Rudy Simek earned Coach of the Year honors at the Morris County Girls Soccer Association annual banquet on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Zeris Inn.
from throughout Morris County were feted for their efforts during the Morris County season which included one state championship team (Morris Catholic), one sectional state champion (Roxbury) and Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference champions: Liberty Division (Villa Walsh), Independence Division (Kinnelon/Morris Catholic) and National Division (Randolph).
Simek leaves VW while on top
MORRISTOWN _ There will be no more Villa Walsh business trips for Rudy Simek.
The Vikings' coach liked to call his team's away games "business trips.'' After 13 successful seasons, Simek recently concluded his business with the school, leaving the soccer program at the top of its game.
M. Catholic adds to fine history
EWING _ Morris Catholic rekindled some of its soccer glory and may have experienced the passing of a goal-scoring torch.
Freshman Rachel Mills headed in a Tara Sobierajski corner kick with 3:09 remaining in regulation to lift Morris Catholic to a 1-0 triumph over St. Rose of Belmar in the Non-Public B Final held on the turf at The College of New Jersey on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
Gaels' state tourney run ends
RAMSEY _ The score from Roxbury's scrimmage against Northern Highlands escaped Gaels goalie Melanie Lopez.
Lopez, a freshman, took a moment and tried to remember the outcome and seemed to think Roxbury fell, 4-0, to the defending state champion Highlanders.
Boonton's Ballway steps down
BOONTON _ Megan Denecour soon will graduate and go off to college yet expects to hear the words of encouragement and wisdom offered by Boonton field hockey coach, Deb Ballway, for many decades to come.
No regrets. Put it all on the field. Don't hold back. Always give 110 percent.
Disanza first at Meet of Champions
HOLMDEL _ During the summer of 2010, High Point's Sarah Disanza had a major decision to make.
Stick with soccer, the sport she had played since the age of 6, or pursue running after a freshman spring track season that saw her break a school record in the mile.
Migoya's goal spurs Crusaders
MORRISTOWN _ Morris Catholic and Villa Walsh battled for two games, nearly 198 minutes total, without either team putting the soccer ball in the back of the net. One quick decision and the right foot of the Crusaders' Amanda Migoya changed all that.
The junior forward knocked in a rebound of a Tara Sobierajski's direct kick with 2:02 left in the second overtime period to lift Morris Catholic to a 1-0 triumph over Villa Walsh in the North Non Public B final held on the turf at Villa Walsh Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
Roxbury victorious in shootout
MOUNT OLIVE _ The penalty kick Brittany Casola made as a freshman in a state tournament quarterfinal against Ridgewood required absolutely no thought.
Back then, Casola was at the beginning of her high school career and more carefree about high-tension situations.
Wolfpack are Group III champs
WAYNE _ Jim Balella, thinking his West Morris team had won, quickly jumped out of his seat, leaped and began to make his way toward his players.
The celebration was a few points early, though, as Gabriella Savite's kill attempt, thought to be the the match ender, was deemed long by the officials.
Blomberg still going strong
MORRISTOWN _ Game days typically are a source of great anxiety for coaches.
There's much to be concerned with, including preparation, starting lineups, travel, motivation and strategy.
