In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Tuckahoe Tigers have emerged victorious in the Section 1 Class C girls soccer championship, securing their first title since 2002. The hard-fought battle against the defending champions, North Salem, showcased the Tigers' resilience and teamwork, as they overcame a late-game injury to their starting goalkeeper to secure the coveted trophy.

A Triumph for the Ages: Tuckahoe's Historic Section 1 Class C Victory

Tuckahoe's Triumphant Comeback

The Section 1 Class C girls soccer final was a nail-biting affair, with both teams showcasing their prowess on the pitch. Tuckahoe, led by their experienced coach Stephanie Martino, who had played on the school's last championship team, came out strong, with sophomore Camilla Massucci finding the back of the net in the ninth minute to give the Tigers an early lead.Brooke Matarazzo then added to Tuckahoe's advantage, racing down the right wing and scoring to put the Tigers up by two goals. However, North Salem refused to go down without a fight, and in the 21st minute, freshman Sienna Paldin capitalized on a Tuckahoe breakdown to score and bring the defending champions back into the game.

Tuckahoe's Resilient Defense Holds Strong

For much of the second half, Tuckahoe's defense stood tall, not allowing North Salem many clear looks at the goal. This was especially impressive considering that the Tigers were forced to turn to backup goalkeeper Chloe Angello after an injury to starter Brianna Hartman with 11:40 left in the first half. Angello made a crucial save off a shot by Samantha Yoel with 17 minutes remaining, preserving Tuckahoe's lead."We just had to stay composed," said Tuckahoe's Ava Rogliano, who, along with Grace Kern, Mirella Oliva, and McKenna Gerald, played a pivotal role in the team's stifling defensive effort. "We had to work together and we couldn't fall apart even though our goalie was hurt. We had to keep playing and we had to have trust in each other."

A Triumphant Return to the Top

Tuckahoe's victory marks a significant milestone for the program, as they reclaim the Section 1 Class C title for the first time in over two decades. For coach Stephanie Martino, the triumph holds deep personal significance, as she was a part of the last Tuckahoe team to win the championship."This means everything to me," Martino said. "I've been coaching here for 15 years and this is one of the best teams I've ever coached at Tuckahoe. This means the world to me, right now."With the championship secured, Tuckahoe now sets its sights on the state Class C regional final, where they will face the Section 9 champion on November 9th at Wallkill High School. The Tigers' resilience and teamwork have propelled them to this point, and they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with as they continue their quest for glory.