(PHOTOS & VIDEO BY LENNIE MALMGREN FOR PSD)
BY AIDAN TYKSINSKI
Germantown Friends School have had a target on their back for a while after winning the last four Friends School League Championships. That target grew a little bit bigger this season after the Tigers beat Friends’ Central 16-4 on Thursday to make their record a perfect 8-0, with a 6-0 record in conference play. Germantown is also the only undefeated team in the league.
“I think keeping our head down and focusing and not really worrying about what their ranking is, who their people are on the teams we’re facing,” said senior Riya Mainigi about how the Tigers have kept the pressure off themselves. “But playing our game. We know what we’re doing and keeping that mindset and not paying attention to what’s coming up.”
Germantown definitely did not let their record go to their heads to start the game. In the first quarter alone, five different players scored goals, and the Tigers controlled possession for nearly the entire period. The few times that the Phoenix had possession, Germantown quickly shut down the scoring opportunities and got possession back.
“We really wanted to get the ball moving,” said Mainigi. “We get the most success when our team plays together.”
“We’ve been having some really strong practices leading up to today, also which helped,” said senior Katie Day. “Some injuries lately, but we just wanted to preserve through those.”
Twelve different players scored for Germantown on the day, which included hat tricks by sophomore Olivia Vlad and junior Emmie Day. Day also finished the game with an assist, one of eight for the Tigers.
Germantown Friends in game vs. Friends' Central. (Game highlights by Lennie Malmgren for PSD)
Day’s best goal came late in the first half, after she contained position of the ball with little over a minute in the half. After breaking through the defensive pressure, Day quickly got into Phoenix territory and scored her second goal of the half with only 12.7 seconds remaining.
“On offense, one of our main things is to make sure everyone is getting the ball,” said Day. “And a lot of our plays incorporate every single person on the attack. And like, don’t be afraid to shoot it, everyone’s a driver, everyone can score.”
“I also think what helps is that we’re really good friends off the field,” added Mainigi. “So, then it translates really well on the field when we’re all playing together, having fun, and it’s just exactly what we want to do as best friends.”
Germantown Friends Seniors Riya Mainigi (L) & Katie Day (R) talk about strong start & Team Dynamics on and off the field. (video/ Aidan Tyksinski)
While the scoreline might not have been close, Friends’ Central started to come together after being shut out in the first half. Senior Sophie Ryan scored two goals for the Phoenix, and the team never stopped fighting even when the game was out of reach. Friends’ Central will hope to carry that momentum into their next game against Braddock on Tuesday.
As for Germantown Friends, they will be facing George School on Tuesday before heading to Delaware for a tournament against some of the best teams in the country. George School is currently 5th in the conference, so the game could have major playoff implications with only a week left in the season.
