North East Girls Soccer Wins UCBAC Susquehanna Division Crown

For the third year in a row, the North East girls soccer team has won the Susquehanna Division in the UCBAC.

The Indians clinched this year's title by topping Rising Sun 2-1 one Tuesday. The win was North East's seventh straight, and also gave the Cecil County School an undefeated record in division contests.

"Our girls are extremely happy to be Susquehanna Division champions
again," head coach Matthew Roberts said. "As a bonus, in doing so we defeated a perennial county power and rival. It was a great accomplishment to defeat a team of high caliber and go undefeated within the county."

As well as North East's season has turned out, the Indians struggled to get results initially, starting with a 2-3 record.

North East's youth probably had something to do with the slow start- the team starts just one senior and one junior. The bulk of the starting lineup is six sophomores and three freshmen, so it took time for the group to gel together, though Roberts says the group's work ethic is second to none.

"Our team works extremely hard and plays good team soccer," Roberts said. "We emphasize team defense, team offense and maintaining our shape on the field."

The win streak has seen a lot of players step up, but the defense in particular has been superb. North East recorded four shutouts in a row from Sept. 28 - Oct. 10, and only allowed three goals in total during the win streak.

Junior defender Emma Haggerty has been excellent this season for the Indians, as has sophomore goalie Delaney McDilda.

"Our focus on the total team approach and strong work ethic have attributed to our success," Roberts said. "Defense is our first priority and a shutout is our goal every time out."

In attack, the Indians have gotten great production from plenty of different sources. Freshman forward Mia Cudmore has led the way with eight goals and four assists. A pair of sophomore attacking midfielders have also excelled- Caroline Roberts has netted six times and chipped in five assists, while Jade Tabbs, who scored the winner against Rising Sun, has five goals and two assists.

With the group firing on all cylinders, North East's postseason looks like it could be as exciting as its regular season, though don't expect the Indians to approach the game any differently in the playoffs.

"Our goal each season is to play hard, play together and improve everyday," Roberts said.