Island Trees Girls Soccer Team Has Eyes on Conference Title

The Island Trees girls varsity soccer team had one main goal entering the season: win the conference championship. 

With a record of 8-1-1 entering Wednesday night's game and tied for first place, the girls have put themselves in a great position to accomplish that goal. 

"We have a lot of players handling different positions that have never played together and it is amazing how we have truly developed into a cohesive unit on and off the field," said coach Jaime Roche.  

Roche said the reason for the girls success this season is simple: they are giving 100 percent on the field and utilizing their "tremendous speed up top, combined with skill in the back to maintain possession and penetrate offense."

Leading the team is goalie Brianna Wilson, who is currently third in the county with seven shutouts. Captain Alexa Dolgos, a junior, is ranked 8th in all of Long Island in points and 11th in goals, with nine. 

Jessica Petry, a freshman, has topped the charts as well for goal scoring, while Melissa Jorgensen is top 25 with assists, Roche said. 

Kristen Briehof, a senior captain who has committed to Dowling College, leads the defense as sweeper, while freshmen Kelly Jorgensen, Ashley Jones and Megan Fischer have shutdown any potential offensive threats.

Michelle Merrill, Maggie Hastings, Katie Paz and Nicole Mignone have
"dominated" in the midfield, while Jorgensen has "executed amazing crosses and corners which have created in turn made our offense so powerful," Roche said. 

Senior strikers Gabby Petito and Jess Bohorquez, and Alicia Buchana have been key in assisting offensive rushes.

Micaela Siegler, backup keep Kaeley Johnston and Corinne Carroll, all newcomers this year, have helped with maintaining a diligent work ethic and positive attitudes to keep the team working together, Roche said. 

The girls will play at Valley Stream North on Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by the home finale Monday against Manhasset, starting at 4:30 p.m. The girls will also be walking as a team at Jones Beach this Sunday for the Breast Cancer Walk.