Archive for Soccer

Fields — Good  Weather – Nice (breezy)

The UA Lions played four tough games this weekend and WON its first tournament victory in the division final on Sunday. The Times Picayune quoted Coach Winston, who stated,  “I am proud of their effort” and so were the administrators, fans and neighboring schools that were supporting the team.

Hannah Sensenbrenner (’13) provided the stability and leadership of the defense as she steered her team to victory with an amazing 20 saves throughout the tournament.  Many of the shots were taken out of desperation from outside the UA box because the other teams had a tough time penetrating the defense. Great credit is to be given to the formidable defense for protecting their box to the last minute of every game.

The weekend statistics are as follows:  Alex Thomas (’16) 10 goals and 4 assists, Hannah Michael (’12) 4 goals and 5 assists, Rachel Romero (’12) 3 goals and 1 assist, Yoselie Casteneda (’15) 1 goal and 1 assist, and Hannah Rote (’14) had 2 assists.

Congratulations to Coach Winston and the UA soccer team for a great weekend and bringing home the trophy.

Field-great, turf (much faster ball movement) Weather-chilly

At the start of the game it was clear that the UA would dominate and win this game.  The warm-up was well structured and the girls had their game faces on.  Coach Winston was firm in the expectations of play and game outcome.

The defense is clearly the game MVPs, racking up their 3^rd consecutive shut out. Congratulations to Hannah Sensenbrenner (’13), on two saves and fierce leadership on the field.

The offensive players demanded respect and owned the ball.  Hannah Michael (’12) finds Alex Thomas (’16) who finishes, 1-0.  Yoselie Casteneda (’15) passes a ball to Thomas (’16) who strikes it on a bounce and scores goal 2.  Shelby Schmitt (’12) throws in a perfect ball to Michael (’12) who smashes it into the net 3-0 UA.  The half is nearing the end when Michael (’12) scores from an accurate pass slipped through the defenders by Rachel Romero (’12) 4-0 UA.  The second half begins and the Lions are ready to rumble. Early in the half, a corner from Thomas (’16) is finished by Michael (’12), who is now being man marked because she can’t be stopped, 5-0 UA. Casteneda (’15) strips a ball from an EJ midfielder and serves it up to Romero (’12) who seals the deal 6-0 UA.  Goal 7 comes from Thomas (’16) who traps a loose ball outside the box and places it in the upper 90.  With about 5 minutes left in the game, Thomas (’12) places a corner kick far post and Michael (’12) won’t be denied the final goal, 8-0 UA.

What a wonderful evening of soccer for UA and many thanks to the parents, administration, friends and STUDENTS who shared blankets, laughs, cheers and hot chocolate while supporting the soccer team.

Additionally, the soccer team will played in the Dominican/Country Day Tournament over the weekend.  Updates about those games will be forthcoming.

Go LIONS!!

Weather-chilly with a light breeze, Field-good

The UA Lions stepped on the field ready to set the standards for district play in their first district game for 2011/2012 season.  Penetrating the Belle Chase defense at will, UA had an impressive 25 shots on goal and Belle Chase was unable to find an answer.

Defense has a clean slate for the day.  Hannah Sensenbrenner (’13) had three saves. She led her defense for another shut out. Sensenbrenner (’13) commands an impressive defensive line and builds the UA soccer team from the back.

At the half, UA was leading 3-0 with Hannah Michael (’12) serving a precise pass to Alex Thomas (’16) who finishes 1-0.  Shortly after the first goal, Rachel Romero’s (’12) successful tackles, secures possession of the ball, sends service to Alex Thomas (’16) and a finish. UA now has a 2-0 lead.  Near the end of the first half, Hannah Michael (’12) crosses the ball at the top of Belle Chase’s box to Alex Thomas (’16) who heads it to Rachel Romero (’12) at the far post. Romero (’12) with a one-touch volley into the back of the net, UA now commands a 3-0 lead. The Lion fans roar with excitement.

The girls ran onto the field after half time with an obvious mission to finish strong.  Thomas (’16) traps a punt from the Belle Chase goalie in the mid field and dribbles through traffic to finish 4-0.  Shortly after, Michael (’12) finds Romero (’12) who scores, 5-0.  Mid-way through the second half, Thomas (’16) successfully tackles and gains possession of the ball, dribbles down the field and scores goal 6.  Soon after, Thomas (’16) assists Michael (’12) who finishes 7-0.  Romero (’12) passes to Michael (’12) who dribbles through traffic and finishes the game with goal 8.

The soccer team would like to thank all STUDENTS, administrators, faculty, parents and friends who came out to support them, share blankets and drink hot chocolate while enjoying a perfect soccer night out.

The Lions next game is Thursday, December 1 at 5:00pm at Joe Yenni Stadium.  Everyone is encouraged to attend!

Game 2:  Field-good, Weather-good, warm

Saturday, November 19 at 1:30, the UA Lions soccer team met long time rivals Cabrini at the Audubon Fly with a score to settle.  The teams were very intense, and the fans were even more intense.  The veteran Lions made it clear how important this game was and that victory was the only answer in this match.  The UA Lions out shot Cabrini 18 to 14 with 10 amazing saves by goalie Hannah Sensenbrenner (’13) leading the defense for a shut out in the 3-0 victory.  Rachel Romero (’12) shut down the Crescents strongest forward never allowing serious threat.  The impeccable defenses forced the Crescents to take long shots as they would not give up their box.

In the middle of the first half, Madeline Berry (’13) finds Alex Thomas (’16) who finishes 1-0.  The half time coaching sent the girls back on the field clearly showing in their play that this game was not over.  Early in the second half a defender pulls Thomas (’16) down from behind at the 35 and is awarded a free that she places over the wall and in the back of the net 2-0.  A few minutes later, Thomas (’16) intercepts a ball from a middle defender and finishes 3-0.

The girls fought to the end and each student athlete “left everything on the field”. Girls graciously played in various positions as the coach saw fit. Coach Winston encouraged and guided his team who executed and delivered.

Hannah Michael (‘12) had 5 shots on goal, Madeline Berry (‘13) had 1 assist and 1 shot on goal, Kayla Motin (’14), Yoselie Castaneda (’15) each had 1 shot on goal, Jordan Nicholson (’16) had 2 shots on goal and Alex Thomas (’16) had 8 shots and 3 goals.

Congratulations to the Senior MACS for winning the spirit competition and many thanks to the students, faculty and administrators who attended the game to support the soccer team.

The district opener is tomorrow, November 29 at the Audubon Fly against Belle Chase at 5:30. “Buddy with a Blanket”, if you bring a buddy we will provide you a blanket.  Come out and support the soccer team.

Field-good, Weather-chilly with lots of breeze

In the first ten minutes of the game, UA possessed about 80% of the time getting several shots off that did not find the back of the net. Pearl River launched an attack that caught UA slightly disorganized and miscommunication between the goalie and defenders led to a goal 1-0. Finally, Alex Thomas (’16) had service to Hannah Michael (’12) who finished 1-1 to equalize the game. UA pressured and had several more shots with no success.  After half time coaching adjustments, Coach Winston sent his squad on the field with intensity and hunger. They stepped up their play and out hustled the opponent.  Jordan Nicholson (’16) passed to Alex Thomas (’16) who finished to secure the lead 2-1. With about twelve minutes to go, Hannah Michael (’12) found Alex Thomas (’16) who finished 3-1. The Pearl River goalie is credited with 10 saves to keep the game 3-1.  The defense led by goalie Hannah Sensenbrenner (’13) with five saves get the win. In all, Hannah Michael (’16) had 7 shots scoring 1 goal, Rachel Romero (’12) 1 shot and Alex Thomas (’16) had 7 shots scoring 2 goals. Everyone had a chance to contribute. The girls are fantastic, they gave their all, they will continue to push and chase the challenges ahead and will continue to develop and succeed. Great effort, coaching and sportsmanship, along with strong parent and faculty support made for a great night of soccer.

Come out to the Fly at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 19 and support UA Soccer!

Thanks for the memories #16

Hello Ursuline!

On Thursday, January 27th, the Athletic Department honored the Class of 2011 for their years of service to the Ursuline Academy Soccer program. Though the final game of the season was postponed until Friday afternoon, the Senior Night festivities were held and the seniors received flowers from the department and well-wishes from their head coach Winston Lewis. As each member of the team was introduced, the coach offered words of wisdom and reflected on the contributions the player had made to the program. The evening ended with the presentation of flowers to the only five-year starter on the team: Jessie Maher ‘11. Over the years, Maher ‘11 solidified herself as one of the greatest athletes to participate within our Athletic Department. During some years, she was overshadowed by big name stars on the team, however, her her play was never overlooked and fans always knew the team had a chance to win if the team could advance the ball to Maher ‘11. It was sad to see the face of UA Soccer injured during her final season. Obviously, this was not hte way Maher ‘11 wanted her farewell tour to be completed. However, during  this season, Maher ‘11 made it clear that the only way she was coming out of a game was if the coaches physically dragged her off of the field. Throughout a season of injuries, Maher ‘11 continued to find ways to help her team.

Here are a few pictures from Senior Night 2011 

The Rain Was Just Starting to Fall

Hello Ursuline!

On Tuesday evening, we attempted to travel to Pan American stadium to watch the district rematch between Cabrini High School and your Ursuline Academy soccer team. While driving to the game, we could help but watch the sky turn darker, and darker, and darker. By the time we arrived in the parking lot, we could not help but think, “We are going to get soaked”. Sure enough, half way through the first half of the game, Mother Nature let loose a wrath of terror composed of gusty winds and heavy rain. Fans rain for cover, but in soccer, if lightning is not striking, they are playing the game. Though our Lions loss the game 1 – 4, the team will members will always have their memories of RAIN BOWL 2011. Here are a few pictures.

Berry '13 on the attack

Hello Ursuline!

On Tuesday evening, our Lions battled East Jefferson High School in a soccer match that would help decide the standing within district play prior to the start of the second half of the season. We thought you may enjoy seeing a few pictures from the second half of the match.

Ursu-online staff

Behind Strong Play of Michael ‘12, Team Improves District Record

Eden '11 is in her senior season with Ursuline Soccer

On Thursday, Ursuline Soccer continued its march through district play by competing against Riverdale. From the beginning of the game until the final whistle blew, this was a very competitive game and an extremely physical matchup. Urusline Academy was missing a few key players due to the semester exam schedule, however, was able to field enough players to defeat Riverdale by a score of 3-0. The team’s victory was led by the effort put forth from junior Hannah Michael ‘12. Michael ‘12 contributed one goal to the team’s victory, but it was her physical play on the field that was most talked about during and after the game. Throughout the district game, Michael ‘12 was on the receiving end of multiple knock downs (we counted as many as seven times) from the opposing defense. With two or three of them being considered “mega shots”, it would have been acceptable for the junior to sit out the remainder of the game. However, the option / idea of leaving the battlefield and leaving her teammates alone never once crossed the junior’s mind. Instead, Michael ‘12 continued on …hit after hit ..after hit. A few of the impacts are highlighted in the pictures below.

The game began at 4:01 with junior Rachel Romero ‘12 and senior Gabby Eden ‘11 putting the ball in play. Within the first two minutes of the game, Romero ‘12 offered the first kick against the Riverdale goalie, however, the shot went wide right and the score remained 0-0. At the 4:05 mark, Freshman Class President Hannah Rote ‘14 was awarded a penalty kick in result of a Riverdale violation. The team in red successfully defended Rote’s shot and the game remained scoreless. Over the next four minutes, UA was miss two additional scoring opportunities when Michael ‘12 and Brianna Morrison ‘13 each had a shot on goal sail high above the crossbar.

With the thought, “We are missing too many shots” beginning to appear in the minds of UA fans, senior Gabby Eden ‘11 stepped up and scored a goal for the UA team at the 4:11 mark. Little did we know that Eden’s goal would be the game-winning goal of this district match.     

After a failed corner-kick opportunity, UA turned to Romero ‘12 to advance the team’s lead. However, when Romero ‘12 had her open-shot deflected off of the right side of the goal, the score remained 1-0. Riverdale would have its first kick on goal at the 4:21 mark. Ten minutes after Romero ‘12 missed her scoring opportunity, Bianca Fernandez ‘11 had the exact same result happen to her when her shot did the same as Romero’s. With another open-shot ricocheting off of the goal, the score was still 1-0. After multiple missed scoring opportunities that would have all but put the game out of reach (unless a very large comeback by Riverdale), UA finally added to its lead when Michael ‘12 scored at the 4:28 mark. Michael ‘12 would score her second goal of the game during the first minute of the second half to lead UA to the 3-0 win.

Ursu-online staff

Hello to all of our athletes!

This is a quick reminder that before you can become a member of one of our many excellent teams, you must submit all of the necessary paperwork. You can find the needed forms on the STUDENT LIFE section of our web site (click the High School tab on the main page and you will see the student life link).

Remember, you can not participate in ANY aspect of the team (practices, meetings, etc) without first submitting your forms to either your Head Coach or to Athletic Director Coach Bonnaffee.

Ursu-online staff