With the South Windsor High School girls soccer team’s regular season officially over, the Lady Bobcats prepare for the opening round of the CIAC class LL state tournament. On Friday, October 31st, the Bobcats will host Brien McMahon as they look to continue their stellar season for another game. It’s now win or go home for both teams.

The Bobcats regular season was very good with a final record of 10-3-3. After last year’s record of 11-3-2, the girls faced a tougher tier of competition this year, but didn’t falter and stayed strong against the better opponents. 

The ‘Cats managed the harder schedule by staying strong physically and mentally through the entire season. Throughout the year, the Bobcats beat last year’s class M state champion Lewis Mills, 1-0, as well as ending rival East Catholic’s undefeated season with a 4-3 win.

South sits 11th in the state rankings, just above the 12th ranked Staples Wreckers. To be ahead of a team like Staples who have won several state titles is an impressive feat, but the girls know they still have more work to do.

To prepare for the title, the Bobcats have put lots of work in during practice and games to do so. Senior captain Ariana Rosario said, “I think our team has given a hard working effort in our practices and found motivation between each other to end this season off in the most positive way possible.” 

Rosario is a fast versatile player who can play midfield, forward, and defense.

Gianna DiSalvatore, a sophomore midfielder reflects on the season, “Something that makes the South Windsor High School team special is our bond that we have with each other. We are all so close and it makes being on this team so enjoyable to play on.” DiSalvatore highlights the importance of chemistry within a team and how that makes playing soccer even more enjoyable. 

DiSalvatore told The Prowl that her favorite quote is, “Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong.” The lady Bobcats all value effort and intensity in practice in order to carry it over to game situations.

The Bobcats fight until the last second in every game they have. For example, tying Tolland 2-2 after being down 1-2 with 8 seconds left. This mentality is important for states because there’s no second chances, it’s one and done.

No matter what happens during the state tournament, the accomplishments and performance by the South Windsor girls soccer team is incredibly impressive and reflects the immense work done from the early stages of preseason through now.