Congratulations to the HHS girls’ soccer team for being undefeated league champions!

This is the best season they’ve had in years, with a record of 11-1. The lady Bears were ranked second in their conference, under the wings of senior captains Madison Van Dyk, Rebecca Reilly, and Isabelle Robinson. Junior standouts Briana Andreoli and Ruby Conroy, who have a combined total of 37 goals and 12 assists, were a huge reason for the lady Bears’ almost perfect record.

Both Andreoli and Conroy were nominated for player of the week. Andreoli is tied for 5th in the state in goal leaders. Conroy is ranked 17th in the state for goals this season. Conroy and Hansen are tied for 9th place for assist leaders in the state. Van Dyk tallied 2 goals and 2 assists. Junior star Gabriella Del Valle accumulated 70 season saves in goal.

Electric sophomores Ava Iovino and Sabrina DiFilippo had a combined 5 goals and 9 assists. Ranked top 85 freshman, Sydney Hansen, had a total of 2 goals and 10 assists for the season. Freshmen Sophia Morel and Cadence O’Hagan had a combined 6 goals and assists. Maya Cabrera, Ella Sachs, Sabrina DiFilippo, and Isabelle Robinson were exceptional on defense throughout the season. 

In their quarterfinal statement win over Kinnelon, Andreoli and Conroy were an offensive dynamic duo, and Cabrera was a standout on defense. In the semifinal win over Whippany Park, Briana Andreoli amounted for all 4 goals. Ruby Conroy, Sydney Hansen, Sabrina DiFilippo, and Maya Cabrera had outstanding games.

On Sunday, the team played the number one seeded Mountain Lakes in the state final. Unfortunately, the Lakers were able to contain the Bears, and the girls lost 2-0. It was an extremely tough game, especially with some questionable calls from referees. Conroy, Andreoli, and Hansen were explosive on offense with the help of Isabelle Robinson and Cabrera, but it was just not enough to take down the Lakers.

Post game, Conroy stated,”We played our hardest, just like we have all season long. We overcame challenges that we have never faced before, and it made us stronger as a team. Even with the current circumstances and reduced season, our team bonded as one. We plan to come back even stronger next season.”

Although the girls didn’t become state champions, they still had an amazing season and put their heart into every game. 

Captain Madison Van Dyk also stated, “We had a great season, and everyone worked so hard. We all connected well.  I am so happy that I have had this experience with such great people. I am so proud to be a part of a league champion team.”

Conroy then added “I think our team’s chemistry was part of the reason for our success. We have a small team, which makes it easier to be close knit. Our bond is definitely shown on and off the field.”

The lady Bears learned a lot this year, and this experience will definitely make them come back stronger next season.