Raptors Prepare for Season in GCC 8v8 Tournament

Quinn McCue; Kailey Merrill; Elisa Bropst; Abby Scanlan; Kate Kinter

The Raptors competed in the GCC 8v8 U18 tournament this weekend, making it to the semi-finals before they were eliminated. Kendall Derisley, Paige Derisley, Emily Harling, Quinn McCue, Kailey Merrill, Abbie Pappalardo, Abby Scanlan, and Brynn Walczak made up the players from the Raptors. Rounding off the roster were guest players, Lexi Breton (Alexander), Sarah Gregori (Albion), Brylie Hapeman (Albion), Macie Riggs (Alexander), and Lexi Wolck (Albion).

Albion started off pool play in the opening game against Genesee 1. A very defensive game for both teams, ending in a 0-0 tie. The Raptors created most of their scoring chances during this game, but were unable to get one past the Genesee keeper. The team's back line, along with Brynn Walczak, earned their first clean sheet of the season. After a game break, Albion faced off against Akron, finishing with another time, this time with a score of 1-1. The Raptors struck first with a great goal from Brylie Hapeman. Macie Riggs earned the assist by taking down an Akron throw-in and cutting in before finding Hapeman on the left side. Hapeman was able to get inside of her defender to get in 1v1 with the Akron keeper and place her shot far post. Akron was able to even the score in the last five minutes of game however, with a well-struck ball from the outside.

The Raptors earned the #3 seed going into playoffs, set to play Akron again in the #2v#3 game. This time, Akron was able to find the back of the net first, on an early defensive breakdown in the box. Walczak made a great save on a 1v1, but the rebound popped up to the top of the box, where an Akron midfielder was able to capitalize on her space and put a shot far post. The remainder of the remainder of the game was very back and forth, with both goalkeepers coming up with big saves. In the second half Albion was putting on the most pressure, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. The game finished with a score of 1-0, and Akron went on to win the tournament over #1 seed Williamson, by a score of 4-1.

The Raptors start their Rochester District Youth Soccer League on Monday at 6:30 PM, versus the Bloomfield Bombers.