Mainland Regional HS girls soccer prepares for new season
LINWOOD, N.J. — When last we left Mainland girls soccer, the team was concluding a dramatic season, with highlights that included defeating the dominant Ocean City girls team in a mid-season stunner (upsetting the Red Raiders in double overtime and snapping a 45-game winning streak), only to stumble in their next face-off, giving Ocean City the CAL title.
However, in an exciting turn of events, Mainland again upset Ocean City in the semi-final round of the Group 3 State Sectionals, earning them a spot in the finals against Lacey Township. Their season would end there in an intense shootout, but their triumphant ride to the finals is one for the history books, buoying them toward a new and exciting next season, which is where we find them now.
“I’ve been asked a number of times about the seniors who graduated and what that means for the team now,” head coach Chris Meade explains, “and I think those questions underestimate the depth we have. We have seven returning starters, and ten returning varsity players, and their leadership and experience in big games will serve us into the new season.”
Of the returning varsity members, five are seniors, and as they reflect on their past seasons, they also look ahead with excitement to their last.
“I love being a senior this year because it gives me a chance to lead and inspire younger players coming up,” Campbell Reese shares. “We work hard and also share a positive outlook, something I want to continue to encourage.”
Jane Meade shares those sentiments, reflecting on how previous seniors led with positivity and inclusion, something she plans to emulate. “When I joined the team as a freshman, the upperclassmen made the team feel like a family, and everyone was always included. We are trying to do the same thing.”
The seniors’ shared outlook helps to elevate the team beyond skill, strengthened by sisterhood.
“I have always loved to play soccer, but the relationships I’ve made on this team were an unexpected bonus,” Hannah Cipkins adds.
To her end, Emma Karver believes her time on the team not only allowed her to play a sport she loves, but it also helped the relationship she had with her school. “I would encourage any girl thinking about soccer in high school to really consider it. Not only have I enjoyed being part of a team, but it also helped with the high school transition. We start practicing in the summer and by the time school starts, you already feel like you’re a part of it.”
Grateful for the bonds they’ve made, and the guidance of coach Meade, and assistant coaches Dan Williams, Bill Horner, and Clare Eger, the girls are also determined to make the most of their last season, ready to put in the hard work and return to the field to find similar success.
“Of all the great moments, beating Ocean City to go on to the State Sectionals was probably my favorite memory,” Madison Naman shares. “We worked hard, we put the time in, and when we won, it was because we earned it. Our hard work paid off and I couldn’t have been prouder.”
Please join us in wishing these Lady Mustangs, and all the hard-working fall athletes, a great season on and off the fields.
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