High Point looks back on successful season

SUSSEX BOROUGH — Noting their impressive overall record as well as their mark against Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division opposition, it should be quite obvious that there were several moments worth remembering on the pitch this fall for the High Point High School girl’s soccer program.
The Wildcats were 16-3-1 overall and tallied a record of 7-1, to earn first place in the NJAC Freedom Division.
“The first game that stands out was our 3-2 win against Sparta [on Sept. 19],’" High Point head coach Aaron Berger said. “We were still working some things out early on in the season and against a talented team that many thought we shouldn't have beaten, we won in the final minutes of the game. The second most notable game for us was when we played Hackettstown [on Oct. 24] toward the end of the season. We had just come off of only our second loss of the season, two days prior, and needed a good rebound win. In an uncharacteristic fashion, we were down 2-0 at halftime against a team we had beaten 6-1 earlier in the season. The girls showed such poise and teamwork to come back and score three goals in the second half, winning 3-2.
“The third most impressive game for our team was the 4-0 victory over West Milford [on November 4] in the [NJSIAA] Sectional quarterfinal. Last season, we were knocked out in this round, but the girls showed just how much they had grown through the season and put together their most impressive performance from a technical and tactical standpoint."
High Point advanced to the semifinal round of North 1 Group 2 before losing to Mahwah on Nov. 8. Mahwah went on to win the North 1 Group 2 title.
The Wildcats benefitted from outstanding leadership and from those student-athletes who put in the time and effort to constantly improve on the field.
“Sarah Culmone was our most vocal leader, both on and off the field," Berger said. “As a senior captain, the girls looked up to her and she set such a high standard with her effort and skill on the field. Emma Sytsema, her leadership really progressed through the season. Transitioning to a completely new position, she showed other girls just how versatile we needed to be as a team. She was also quite vocal at important times. Jackie Harnett, although only a sophomore, she was our most fierce competitor. The mental toughness she demonstrated to the rest of the team helped us stay focused during more difficult matches. She leads by example and is always a strong source of encouragement.
“Brianna Simsicm, although she didn't start many games, her performance off the bench was so pivotal in several of our wins this season. She improved both in skill on the field and her attitude toward becoming extremely team focused. Morgan Smolen, as a sophomore, she was called upon to play a variety of roles at different times and she continually showed how valuable she was in different positions. Stefanie DiCarlo, after having seen limited playing time as a midfielder last season, she transitioned into the role of a starting outside defender. Her ability to read the game and anticipate opponents' moves is what never ceased to improve as the season went on."
Coach Berger will fondly recall all of the contributions that the seniors made to the team this year and he’s very much looking forward to a bright future for the Wildcats.
“Jackie Harnett led the team and the area in goals this year with 34, more than doubling her total from the previous season, as well as breaking the single season scoring record which had stood since 2004," Berger said. “As a team, we advanced to the Sectional semifinal, which had also been last done in 2004.
“Although we will lose four senior starters, we have very skilled sophomore and junior girls, as well as one freshman, who already gained a great deal of experience at the varsity level this season. We are a tight-knit team, relying on and supporting each other, both on and off the field."