Spartans shoot down Seahawks 1-0 in D2 heavyweight clash

The Sussex Academy girls’ soccer team has allowed just one goal all season. Unfortunately for them, that blemish came six minutes into a 1-0 loss at home to powerhouse Saint Mark’s April 1.

The Spartans entered the contest averaging seven goals through their first three games. 

“A tough result from a coaching perspective because I think we battled, but we did not showcase our brand of football,” said Seahawks coach Chase Humphrey. 

The assessment was more of a nod to the young Seahawks' potential as opposed to poor play. Humphrey was quick to acknowledge the team effort it took to keep a prolific offense from putting up crooked numbers.

“Conceding the goal was unfortunate, but was I proud of the response,” he said. “A team like Saint Mark’s, with the quality they have, just needs one goal to open the floodgates, but that wasn’t the case. We had a game plan defensively, and I thought we did well to frustrate them.”

The clean sheet may have escaped the girls, but they did manage to shut out one of the most prolific offensive players in the state.

“Whenever you play against a player like Lily Phillips, you have to adjust and adapt,” Humphrey said. “You can only find a few games in the past year or so when she hasn't been on the score/assist sheet.”

The first-year coach said all the credit goes to the team and goalkeeper for their collective efforts.

“To compete with a team like Saint Mark’s for 80 minutes and have the game within reach, where we felt like we didn't play our best, is encouraging and a learning point for us moving forward,” Humphrey said. 

In a testament to the versatility and IQ of the Seahawks, freshman Isabella Laupert-Visioli took on a defensive role against the Spartans a game after getting her first varsity goal. 

“Isabella transitioned in her place and held her own, only coming out briefly with a bloody nose,” Humphrey said. “Sienna Serpico is our rock defensively, and did a great job orchestrating with Melina Stitcher and Ashley Alvarez Chavez in our backline. Even in a loss, we have to recognize victories, taking pride in shutting down a DI commit and one of the best players in the state.”

Freshman Ella Sprucebank rebounded from the early goal to make a few brilliant stops on her way to 10 saves against the high-octane opposition.

“This result will make us better in the long run,” Humphrey said.