By Ignacio Matorras, Belmont Voice correspondent
Going into a quarterfinal matchup against the number one-ranked Needham Rockets, the Marauders girls soccer team knew they had plenty to prove after advancing with a 2-0 win over ninth-ranked Central Catholic.
After a challenging road game, the Marauders advanced to the Final Four with a 4-2 win.
Belmont opened with Ruth Christensen in goal, Ashley Waters, and Farrah Harris anchoring the backline alongside Vivi Capitani and Elisabeth Schreiner. The midfield trio was Madhavi Ramadas, Zoe Marion, and Cassie Greiner. Nora Goulding and Mackenzie Tierney started on the wings, with Danica Zicha as the lone striker.
Things didn’t start well for Belmont, as Needham scored within the first 30 seconds. The Marauders managed to answer quickly, with Greiner scoring off of Zicha’s rebound.
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The following 15 minutes saw possession evenly split, with Needham creating opportunities on several counterattacks. The Belmont defense held up, and Zicha scored before the half for a 2-1 lead.
Needham emerged from the break determined to show why they held the number one ranking, bombarding the Marauders with intense pressure, ultimately resulting in a headed goal off a well-placed cross and a 2-2 tie.
Belmont retook the lead when a shot from Zicha hit the crossbar and the rebound bounced to Greiner, who tapped it in for her second goal of the night, putting Belmont up 3-2.
Needham continued to press, forcing Christensen to make crucial saves. Belmont held on to their lead, and with five minutes left in the game, freshman Clara Sciandra’s pressure was enough to win the ball in Needham’s defensive box. She crossed the ball to Mackenzie Tierney, who scored the insurance goal, securing a 4-2 win for Belmont.
“The bond on this team is something that is hard to break,” said Coach Jemmy Cange after the game.
Next in line for the Maurders is a meeting with Natick High School on Tuesday at 4:45 p.m. in Woburn.
