By Rob Potter
Editor’s Note: November 25, 2003 – This is the first in a series of wrapup stories about the 2003 scholastic soccer season. Please see more such articles in future issues.

FALLSBURG

Overall Record: 5-11

League Record: 0-6 OCIAA Division V

Team Leaders: “New in goal was Abby Smassanow, who demonstrated varsity level skills and a be tough attitude on and off the field,” Coach Lee Smassanow said. “As a novice goaltender, she was able to bring home Fallsburg’s first shutout in team history.”
Coach Smassanow noted that Abby had 10 veteran varsity seniors to help her on the field. For her effort and skill development on the field, Abby Smassanow was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Playing on defense was the team’s Sportsmanship Award winner, Shannon Weigand.
“She played tirelessly to defend the goal and added solid support in front of the goal,” Coach Smassanow said.
He added that on offense the team suffered from missed opportunities to put the ball in the net, but the players never lost their motivation or desire to play a competitive game.
“One player showed versatility, skill, hustle and selflessness,” Coach Smassanow commented. “Although usually a forward, she was needed in defense. Some players don’t understand the needs of the team are bigger than the needs of the individual. [But] this individual willingly moved from her position up front to help the team on defense. For these reasons, senior Karen Perrello is recognized as the Most Valuable Player.”

Season Highlight: Coach Smassanow noted that the team highlights included posting two shutouts – a first in Lady Comet history – and winning a game in double overtime.

Season Lowlight: The coach said that low point of the season was letting an opposing player walk in a goal with three seconds left in the half.

Other: The Lady Comets finished their strongest season since starting a girls’ varsity soccer program in the early 1990s.
Coach Smassanow said that he and the players would like to thank the following seniors for their dedication to the team. They are: Sanya Bici, Carolyn Blanchard, Tabitha Churak, Jessie Friedman, Sarah Halprin, Halley Hiatt, Jenn Orlowski, Karen Perrello, Felicia Strauss and Shannon Weigand.