By Lesley Graham
The Ocean City girls soccer team cruised to a 9-2 win in the opening round of the NJSIAA Group Three South state tournament over visiting Cumberland on a wet and rainy Monday afternoon. Ocean City is now 20-1 on the season as it continues it’s run for a state title. Cumberland ends their season with an 8-11 record.
Leading the scorers on the afternoon were Summer Reimet with four goals and an assist. Naomi Nnewihe scored two and added an assist, while Zoey Lappin, McKenna Chisholm and Aimee Altieri each chipped in a goal on the afternoon. Hope Slimmer and Coryn McDonnell had two assists a piece while Joy Slimmer had one assist.
In what began as a tight contest with a tied score at one apiece in the opening first 20 minutes of play, Ocean City quickly and convincingly opened the scoring flood gates, powering in eight more scores to Cumberland’s one. The Raiders added four more goals in the first half and an additional four in the second.
The Raiders, who took control of the remainder of the game, played in elements that are not ideal for a playoff soccer game, but Head Coach Lisa Cuneo knows those are things out of her control.
“Today was another good test of handling the elements. First time this season playing in rain and this cold. I think that helps when it comes to really having to concentrate on touches and still have a good possession game,” said Cuneo post game.
Although the Raiders were dominant in the win, there are always things they can work on added Cuneo. “We will always have things to work on and look to improve and I will not settle for anything less than our best soccer from here on out,” said Cuneo.
At this point in the postseason it is win or go home, something the Raiders are aware of every chance they step on the field. “The girls know being the higher seed means everyone comes into our place with a nothing to lose attitude which again we need to continue to have good practices and prep for everyone,” added Cuneo.
