Girls Soccer Makes Third Round 

The Lady Phantoms went 9-5 in the regular soccer season, beating Sharon Academy and Long Trail in the first and second rounds of the playoffs to face powerhouse 14-0 West Rutland. Despite a strong season, the Lady Phantoms fell short 4-1 in that third round playoff gamea against the Golden Horde.

The final game came as a heartbreak to many as the Phantoms were enthusiastic about the thought of an upset against their arch rivals. 

Despite facing significant challenges, this team proved doubters wrong with determination and teamwork. Reflecting on their season, Senior Captain Aleea Richardson expressed pride in their achievements. “It feels like we had a good outcome and achieved what we set out to do,”

Richardson said. 

“People didn’t expect us to win our playoff game, or even our last game,” Richardson explained. “When we were down, everyone was clapping and cheering. It showed how much we believed in each other.”

Fellow Senior Zoe Reynolds also highlighted the strategic shift in formation that became a key element of their strategy. While it underwent changes in the last playoff game, the formation proved effective throughout most of the season, helping the team adapt to different challenges. 

Reynolds acknowledged that the unpredictability and inconsistency of playoff preparation were hurdles, but these tactical decisions contributed to their early successes. Notably, the first game was a major highlight; the victory not only exceeded expectations but also revealed the team's potential. This game, among others, served as a confidence booster and provided more playing time for many players, fostering a sense of growth and achievement. 

With half the team being underclassmen this was a growing year. 

“The biggest challenges we faced were the number of younger kids on the team, but they really stepped up,” Richardson says The team embraced their underdog status and turned it into a motivating factor. 

Reynolds agrees. “(The) younger teammates exceeded expectations (often) stepping up and carrying the team.”  Despite initial doubts about their readiness and consistency, particularly during the playoffs, these players demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. Their dedication and ability to rise to the occasion became a crucial aspect of the team’s overall success, helping build cohesion and confidence.

Reflecting on the overall journey, Reynolds expressed pride in how her teammates collaborated and took collective responsibility as a unit. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and not succumbing to stress, a message she hoped younger players would carry forward. 

One pivotal moment was the final game against West Rutland, where the team, viewed as underdogs, mentally prepared to face a stronger opponent.  Despite this, the challenge served as an "ego booster" according to Renyolds, and strengthened their resolve.

 The season was a testament to teamwork, personal growth, and the joy of playing the game together. With the success of younger players, it’s safe to say that the future of The Lady Phantoms soccer is secure. 

Despite facing significant challenges, this team proved doubters wrong with determination and teamwork. Reflecting on their season, Senior Captain Aleea Richardson expressed pride in their achievements. “It feels like we had a good outcome and achieved what we set out to do,”

Richardson said. “The biggest challenges we faced were the number of younger kids on the team, but they really stepped up.” The team embraced their underdog status and turned it into a motivating factor. “People didn’t expect us to win our playoff game, or even our last game,” she explained. “When we were down, everyone was clapping and cheering. It showed how much we believed in each other.

The younger players, particularly 8th and 9th graders, played a pivotal role in their success. “They scored more than some of the older players,” she noted. “They really had to step up, and they did.”One of the season’s highlights for the team was a bonding scavenger hunt. “That’s something we’ll all remember,” she said, emphasizing the importance of building camaraderie. When asked for advice to younger players, her message was clear: “Don’t give up, regardless of your skill level. You can always improve and contribute.Reflecting on the lessons learned, she shared an important takeaway: “We definitely learned to ignore the expectations of other teams in the division and just focus on our own goals.”The season may have been challenging, but this team’s story is one of resilience, unity, and proving that hard work and belief can defy expectations.