John Carroll, ranked ninth in the latest Varsity Sports Network girls soccer poll, went 2-0 at the Glenelg Tournament in Howard County this past weekend.
Junior goalkeeper Gina Maiorana (six saves) and the Patriots’ defense played through regulation and two overtimes to force a shootout with No. 19 Glenelg in the season opener for both teams. John Carroll came away with win 4-3 in penalty kicks.
The Patriots, playing against the wind in the first half, was able to turn back the Gladiators’ offensive attacks countless times. The defense was led by seniors Morgan Fraczkoski, Abbey Wilson and Devin Hogan, sophomore Kiana Wright and freshman Sophie Centi.
In the shootout, Maiorana came up big again and made two key saves to hold Glenelg (1-1) to just two three conversation on the kicks. John Carroll had successful conversions from sophomore Olivia DiFonso and Nicole Wojcik, Fraczkoski and Centi.
The second game with Anne Arundel County’s Broadneck proved to be much of the same. Timely saves and tough defense once again helped the Patriots keep the Bruins scoreless through regulation and overtime.
Maiorana stopped 10 shots in this contest to help John Carroll stay in contention. DiFonso, Centi and Leah Pace converted on their penalty shots to give John Carroll the tournament title.
No. 9 John Carroll 0, No. 19 Glenelg 0, (JC in shootout 4-3)
Saves: JC-Maiorana 6; G-Carey 5.
No. 9 John Carroll 0, Broadneck 0 (JC in shootout 3-2)
