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Landmark High School Girls Soccer took home to glory at the IGC playoffs on Tuesday, November 9, 2022. Below are excerpts from the coach's write-up.

How to even begin to describe this game…The Vikings were hungry from the onset and knew that they wanted to take home the glory. They had put in the work all season long and were ready to go.

The Vikings traveled all the way to Medfield for the Championship game against the undefeated Montrose, who finished 1st in the regular season of the IGC (Landmark finished 3rd). Landmark came out with a fury, but the Montrose defense was impenetrable. The Vikings defense has been the MVP all season long, and today it was truly tested. The first 40 minutes of play were largely defensive for both teams. Goalie Katie D. had some spectacular saves. The defensive line was led by Lily V., who was determined to protect her net and blast the ball out of danger. All the defenders had a strong day on the field: Keya R. had some crucial blocks and clears, Oona D. had a stellar game, shutting down breakaways, and Sophia V. kept up the intensity and protected the other side of the field. Hannah P. and Hannah T. played defense with intensity and had some crucial plays. In the center of the field Charlotte F. and Ava G. stopped many loose balls, and shut down some of Montrose’s best players. Strikers Agata M., Lia C. and Sofia V. frustrated the opponent's defensive line and created some scoring opportunities. Wings Rocky D., Mia K., Ella G. and Sydney K.worked hard to double-team on the sides and get the ball in play.

Going into the second half the score was tied at 0-0, but Landmark was just starting to hit their stride and the opponents were getting tired. Rocky D. let one fly from outside the 18 that soared past the goalie. Landmark took the lead and spirits were high. Not long after, however, Montrose returned with a goal of their own. Tied up again at 1-1.

Defense buckled down, and would not let Montrose close to the goal. The clock ran out. We were headed into overtime. The first overtime was 5 minutes, and the first goal would take the title. Seeing the determination of our team in the huddle, I knew they were not going to let a goal slide…five minutes went by of intense play, and now we were in for the second overtime. This is where they dug deep and our game became more mental over physical. The sun was setting, and the game would end in penalty kicks.

Five girls were selected: Agata, Sofia, Lily, Charlotte, and Rocky. Katie D., our steady-under-pressure goalie who has been a beacon of consistency, heads onto the field as well. You can feel the excitement in the air. Five rounds. Landmark shoots first.

In round one, both goalies save strong shots on goal.

Round 2, Sofia’s powerful shot ricochets off the goalie gloves, the post, and into the goal, but Montrose gets one by as well.

Round 3, Montrose gets another one by. Montrose is up, 2 shots to 1, and here comes freshman Charlotte F. Charlotte has been a breakout player this year, and has made her mark. She steps up with confidence and slams one into the net. Tied up. 

Round 4, Katie makes a spectacular save.

Final round, penalty kicks are all tied up. Rocky D. thrives under pressure, and she was the perfect player to take the final shot. She steps up and takes a beautiful shot into the corner! It all comes down to the final shot from Montrose. If they make it, Lia C. and Ava G. are on deck to continue the PKs. If they miss, the title is ours.

It's a beautiful shot, but Katie makes a spectacular save, and the crowd goes wild! For the first time ever, Landmark has defeated Montrose and WON the IGC Championship!

This has been a truly remarkable season, with an incredibly talented group of athletes. Thank you all for supporting the team.

GO VIKINGS!!!!!!

Coaches Walkowicz, Walkowicz, Murphy and Lynch