The Old Saybrook girls’ soccer squad made a solid leap forward this season. The Rams posted an overall record of 4-5-2 on the season including their first postseason win in four years.

Head Coach Paige Marinelli’s squad had steady senior leadership along with a collection of talented contributors to secure a quality campaign.

The 2020 fall season was rife with challenges for athletics programs across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Marinelli thought the Rams did an admirable job of rolling with the punches.

“I think it was a bit of a roller coaster for every team with the uncertainty of even playing a game on a given day. We practiced, wore masks, and followed all the rules to keep us safe. We had some curve balls thrown at us, but we took in it in stride day by day,” said Marinelli. “We’ve had the overall best season since I’ve been at Old Saybrook. We had so much fun for as long as we could. That made for a great memorable season for everyone.”

Coach Marinelli thought Old Saybrook’s four wins and two ties were a solid accomplishment, especially considering that all the Rams’ games this year came against Shoreline Conference opponents. In other seasons, the Rams would play against various opponents out of their conference, but this year Old Saybrook went up against some of the toughest Class S competition available.

“We only played in-conference teams. The Shoreline is very strong for Class S schools. The fact we were able to compete and win games, or tie some great teams, was a huge step forward,” Marinelli said. “If it were a traditional season, we would have made states this year. I think it was a great overall run. Everyone who was a part of the program really saw the improvement that we made all season.”

One of the biggest factors this year for the Rams was the leadership of their senior class, particularly their senior captains Bridget Kawecki, Emily Stratton, and Gilly Hartt.

“The leadership that came from our captains, but also the entire senior class was huge. I’ve watched these girls grow into outstanding players and people,” said Marinelli. “They brought incredible attitudes and a true team mentality everyday. That made for the best team chemistry that we’ve had thus far. What they’ve brought to this program over the years has developed such a strong, positive culture.”

Kawecki, Stratton, and Hartt each played vital roles in Old Saybrook’s improvement this season, and in different capacities. While all of them were primarily defensive-minded players this season, they all had an attitude that placed the team in a position to win regardless of where they were on the field. Kawecki earned All-Shoreline Conference Second Team recognition, and Emily Stratton was awarded All-Shoreline Conference Honorable Mention.

“Gilly plays defender, and she’s one of the fiercest on the field. In the senior game, she injured her ankle and was out the rest of the season. We took a loss there because she’s such a fireball on the field. She was still a great leader and was committed on the sidelines every practice and every game,” said Marinelli. “Bridget is normally a center midfielder, but we moved her into the backfield to foster more leadership in the back line. She was a great communicator directing players back there. Emily stepped into a new role this year as a defensive center midfielder. Her job was to shut down the most powerful players on the other team, and she did an exceptional job of that.”

Also in the midfield were sophomores Elizabeth Ryan and Avery Rueckert, junior Bella LaMotte, and senior Alexa Brodeur. Junior Anna Brodeur was also in the midfield and earned All-Shoreline Conference Honorable Mention for her excellent play. The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on any sort of a preseason, and so the Rams ended up tweaking their lineup throughout the year.

“Where we started out in terms of lineups was completely different from where we ended up,” Marinelli said. “We found out that certain players meshed well together, and we went from there.”

In terms of offensive production, junior Lily Cody had an outstanding campaign scoring a baker’s dozen goals on the year. Cody also earned All-Shoreline Conference First Team recognition for her accomplishments this season.

“Lily Cody was our top goal scorer with 13 goals this season, and at least five of those were game-winners. That girl is an exceptional player. Her work ethic is second to none,” Marinelli said. “She’s the girl you’re looking to for energy, excitement, and tenacity. She’s a stand-out player that every coach is watching out for every game.”

Old Saybrook saw plenty of senior representation when it came to the defense. In addition to Kawecki and Hartt, the Rams had senior Hannah Sumby also in the backfield. Eventually filling in for Hartt was sophomore Juliette Condulis. The last line of defense for Old Saybrook was sophomore goalkeeper Abby Colella.

“Our other backs really stepped up to the plate. Sumby was a great senior leader and great player,” Marinelli said. “Juliette was originally a forward, and we needed another back. She picked it up really well; props to her. Our goalkeeper Abby Colella also had an exceptional season for us.”

There were several great moments this season, like the Rams beating Portland for the first time since 2016 in a 3-2 home contest. Old Saybrook also played other solid Shoreline teams like Cromwell and Valley to ties. Still, the biggest highlight of the year had to be the Rams’ 1-0 home win against North Branford in the Shoreline Conference Tournament.

“We had beat them in the previous week, so we knew going in, it was going to be a tough game. It was do or die. They played a park the bus style with no forwards to prevent us from scoring. They wanted to try to take us to penalty kicks,” said Marinelli. “We recognized that we had to be very patient. In the second half, we had a foul just outside the box that gave us a kick. Bridget put the ball down outside the 18 and buried it in the corner. She really stepped up for us, and you could tell by her attitude that she was going to score in that spot.”

Another boon for the Rams this year was the addition of Assistant Coach Steve Roslonek. Coach Marinelli thought that they formed an effective working relationship that resonated with their student-athletes.

“We gained an exceptional soccer coach and human being in Steve Roslonek. He brought so much in terms of soccer knowledge and tactics from a different angle that complemented mine,” Marinelli said. “We were able to get the girls thinking about different things. I’ve learned from him as well. He has 100-percent contributed to the development of these girls as soccer players and people.”

Coach Marinelli believes that Old Saybrook has a bright future ahead of it, especially with a burgeoning youth program in the town.

“I think that we have another great group coming in to lead as seniors next year. They were freshman when I first came in to coach, and I know they want the best for this team. They’ve show great leadership already this year,” Marinelli said. “It’s tough because we’re losing a class that’s been instrumental to the program. We’re looking for people to step up. We know there will be girls that fill those shoes. I think they will really rally the team to work together in the off season. I’ve also been working with the youth programs in the town for years now. Those girls coming up will be a huge asset to the program.”