Bellport girls soccer honor their own

Recently, under a beautiful bright-blue fall sky, the Bellport High School girls soccer squad celebrated three graduating seniors and a final game victory, beating Westhampton at home by the score of 5-1 in a thrilling and spirited performance. 

Seniors Rowan Schultz, Caitlin Maragioglio and Vanessa Sisilima were recognized by their teammates and coaches for their commitment to soccer and to their school studies in a brief ceremony before the staring kickoff.  The players were escorted from the sideline to midfield by their parents, where they were joined by their teammates, coaches, and additional family members.  

The seniors started playing organized soccer approximately 13 years ago at the age of 4 or 5, and their final high school game marked the end of a chapter in their soccer journey.  

Asked for comment about the players, first-year head coach, Chuck Maragioglio raved about the work ethic of the girls and said that a coaching goal this year was to play the girls in multiple positions throughout the season.  He said that they were “very receptive and worked all season like they were undefeated.” 

The girls’ squad was field managed by their new assistant coach Ed Gibbons, who stated that a major objective was “getting players to learn.”  The team, who lost a dozen seniors last year, managed a record two wins and 12 losses this year. 

Although their final record was not what they had hoped for, the girls played competitively and with purpose. Throughout the season, opposing coaches had very positive and inspiring messages about the Bellport girls soccer squad. 

Coach Maragioglio shared that after their loss to Hills  that their coach told him that “you guys are tough.”  Undefeated West Islip, whose coach previously trained the three Bellport seniors when they played for her travel team, said to them after the game that they are “way more talented than your record reflects.”  In that game, the Bellport defense held one of the county’s most potent offenses to one goal for almost half the game, but was eventually outgunned in the second half. 

After their final victory, the Bellport girls gathered for a beautiful celebratory dinner in the school’s trophy room, where they reflected on their season and honored their three teammates one last time.