The #3 Rye Girls Soccer team pitched their fourth shutout of the sectional playoffs on Sunday, November 2, defeating #1 Pleasantville 2-0 to claim the sectional championship. Rye did not allow a single goal throughout the tournament, winning 4-0, 3-0, 4-0, and 2-0 en route to the title.
“Rye’s defense – anchored by Clare Nemsick, Julia Carballo, Ella Fleckton, and Parker Calhoun – was outstanding, shutting down the high-powered Pleasantville attack,” Head Coach Rich Savage told MyRye.com after polishing his medal. “On the wings, Ryann O’Donnell and Shira Rand worked tirelessly, tracking back defensively and helping Rye maintain possession by connecting with central midfielders.”
Jill DeSanto kicked off the scoring midway through the first half off an assist from Harkin Brown. Soon after, Tessa Labowitz made a key save on a direct free kick to preserve the skinny advantage going into halftime.
“In the second half, Rye played a composed, possession-based style – connecting passes through the midfield and controlling the tempo,” Savage continued. “Despite several scoring chances from Charlotte Keenan, Hannah Jachman, and Harkin Brown, the Garnets were denied by the crossbar, a few near misses, and key saves from the Pleasantville keeper.”
Finally, the insurance marker came with just eight minutes to play in regulation. Brown delivered an accurate corner kick for her second assist of the day, which Clare Nemsick buried to the back of the net with her forehead. The goal was the dagger in Pleasantville’s side, who failed to score a goal for the first time all season.
Labowitz recorded the Garnets’ 15th shutout in 20 games. They have also now scored multiple goals in 12 consecutive contests after a stretch of three 0-0 draws in four games.
Rye (17-0-3, 4-0 postseason) advances to the regional semifinals, which takes them to Wallkill, New York, to face Section IX champion Our Lady of Lourdes. The game begins at 7:30pm on Wednesday, November 5. The Garnets are four wins away from a potential state title.
