Morristown High School Girls Soccer Seeks Improved Season

With 2010 marred by injury and disappointment, head coach John Babula and the Morristown High School girls soccer team have one thing on their side heading into 2011.

Stability.

Last season, Morristown got off to a great start, earning wins in three of its first four games. But injuries to senior captains Rachel Diamond and Betsy Boehler brought the teams’ quick start, to an immediate halt. Those injuries, coupled with Babula’s season being cut short due to a spinal infection, saw Morristown earn just one more win last season, ending the year with a 4-13-1 mark.

As of now, it looks like 2011 is shaping up to be the complete opposite, as the girls head into this season with a healthy coach, and a team loaded with young experience.

With eight underclassmen starting last season, and many of those players showing “more seriousness this year,” according to Babula, the team is clearly excited at the possibilities of what 2011 might bring.

LAST SEASON’S RESULTS:

The 2010 varsity team finished with a record of 4-12-1, falling 3-0 to Randolph High in the opening round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament.

LOOK OUT FOR:

Erin Dempsey, Goalkeeper (Sr.) – Dempsey, a returning starter from 2010 and team captain this year, will again be the Colonials stopper in net. 

Adaria Doherty, Forward (Sr.) - Doherty, another team captain this season, looks to help lead a young group of girls in 2011. Look for big things from the senior forward. 

Olivia Dolan, Forward (Sr.) - Dolan is a team captain and starting forward this season. Look for this senior to lead both on the field and off in 2011.

Emily Turner, Midfielder (Jr.) – The lone junior captain, Turner is one of seven returning sophomore starters.

Seniors: Angela Quarno, Darcy Best, Rosemarie Cafone, Alexandra D'Alia, Erin Dempsey, Adaria Doherty, Olivia Dolan, Christine Gilmore, Maxine Siss, Kayla Wolff. 

Juniors: Megan Angulo, Alejandra Bedoya, Amy Blanchard, Sarah Ellerthorpe, Brady Heher, Manuela Morales, Emily Turner.

WHO’S GONE:

Rachel Diamond, Diamond, a forward and team captain in 2010, went down early in the season after helping lead the Colonials to a 3-1 mark.

Betsy Boehler, Boehler was a senior midfielder and captain last season, helping Morristown to a 3-1 start before going down with an injury.

COACH’S TAKE:

“We have a great core of returning players. Last year we started seven sophomores and one freshman on varsity. But now our sophomores have become juniors, and our freshman have become sophomores, so they’ve got that year of experience under their belt and are looking so much more mature. Their touches are better, their thinking is better and they’re understanding what it takes. I think we’re going to have a good year.”– Coach Babula

THEY SAID IT:

“It’s always good to have new players and there’s always enough room for anyone who wants to play. There’s a big pool of talent and a there’s a lot of freshman coming in with obvious talent, so that should help for the future, if not for right now.”- Best

“I think we’re going to do better this year. We have a lot of returning players. I feel like the seniors this year have more of a connection with the younger kids, so it’s easier to bring them in and play.” – Doherty

“I think we’re looking good. A lot of our players are more mature now, so I think it’s going to be a good season.” - Dolan

“We have a lot of good forwards this year, and a lot of us have been playing together since we were younger, so I think that’s something that we have that will be good.” – D’Alia