On Thursday, September 8, Somerset-Berkley hosted Apponequet on the artificial turf field. The Raiders dominated most of the first half, mostly keeping the ball in Apponequet’s half of the field. Forward Samantha Borges, a junior, continuously pressed the Apponequet defense. SBRHS had a few opportunities early in the first half, but could not manage to put the ball in the back of the net. Center midfielder Hallee Tripp, a senior, controlled the middle and provided the hustle and fight that the Lady Raiders desperately needed toward the end of the first half. Coach Matthew Forrest said that the game was about “trying to find our footing to see the type of team we are and the roles people will fill.”

Most of the game was dependent on physical battles. Both teams played a very physical game. However, Apponequet succeeded in providing pressure on the SB defense and midfield. Goalie Erin Rockliffe, a junior, made incredible saves and allowed her team to come out of the game with a tie. With pressure on the midfield and defense, the Raiders were not able to create many short passes, and instead resulted to sending long balls to the forwards. Matthew Forrest said that the team’s strategy usually consists of “playing to feet and diagonal” but instead the Raiders played “long and straight” balls.

In the future, Coach Matthew Forrest wants his team to improve upon “understanding where they’re supposed to be and when and how to deal with pressure.” Both teams “played the full 80 minutes,” says Coach Forrest. “There was no lapse of effort and focus,” which had been the biggest issue for the team the past few years. Support the girls varsity soccer team at their next home game against Case on September 19 at 3:30 P.M. “I’m proud,” said Matthew Forrest, and the first game “isn’t the season.”