Hornets Hold Winning Record, Prepare for District Tournament
By Kendall Gillingham
Kicking off their season strong, the HHS Girls Soccer team holds an impressive spring record of five wins and three losses. Behind Captains Abby Bachman, Natalia Vintimilla, and Alexa Schoenefeldt, Herndon has dominated the competition, beating the likes of top teams, including South Lakes and Westfield.
The team has managed to persevere against injuries, coaching concerns, and strong competition. Not only have they won seven of their first ten games (including preseason scrimmages), they have also earned a favorable record of 16 goals scored against and eight goals allowed.
In their first out-of-district game, the Hornets defeated the South Lakes Seahawks 2-1. The Hornets started strong with high offensive pressure, with captains Bachman and Vintimilla scoring two goals early on. The Seahawks retaliated and managed to score by the end of the first half. For the second half, the Hornets’ defense prevailed, securing the team’s first win.
Putting points up early in the game would go on to be a trend continued throughout the next two games against Annandale (3-1) and Edison (4-0). In their fourth game of the season against Westfield, Herndon stumbled ten minutes into the game at 0-1, but were able to come back with two goals at the end of the first half. They went on to maintain the lead all the way through the second half, winning 2-1.
The team suffered several injuries heading deeper into the season, which did little to help alongside growing pressure to hold a remarkable undefeated record. The streak ended with a 0-1 overtime loss against Woodson, and later reinforced by a loss against Robinson (0-2). In both games, the Hornets fought the whole while until the last whistle.
Their first district game against Marshall ended in a 2-0 victory, with goals by Vintimilla and Grace Shifflett, both scored in the first twenty minutes of play.
“We’re prepared. But we need to play each game as if they’re going to be our most difficult opponent,” said Vintimilla on the team’s path forward into the district games. She sees positive results forthcoming, atop the fun atmosphere the team provides.
Some stand-out players include top goal-scorers Vintimilla (5) and Shifflett (3). The starting goalkeeper, Leah Mendoza, has made a consistent string of show-stopping saves, often the key weapon in ensuring the Hornets keep their lead. Some other talented players include midfielders Bachman, Ashley McCoy, and Cora Kwitowski.
The Herndon community is rallying behind the team, excited to see what will be accomplished going forward in the season.