Blair’s varsity girls’ soccer team valiantly win against Richard Montgomery in their senior night game

Blair girls' varsity senior night photo 1

Photo: Senior Maya Bernstein

Senior Maya Bernstein Photo courtesy of Beck Rowe.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the Blair girls varsity soccer team defeated Richard Montgomery, 1-0 on senior night. The game was a nail-biter, but the Blazers fought hard and won at the last moment.

Before the game started, the Blazers celebrated their senior teammates by participating in the senior night ceremony. Each senior’s family and friends created a sign or poster for them and walked them through an aisle, with poms cheering on each end. When asked about senior night, Natalie Mullens, a senior on the team, explains the best part of senior night. “The highlight of senior night is to come for the celebration and meeting secret sisters,” Mullens said.

Once the game started, it was clear that this would be a fight. Richard Montgomery and Blair were evenly matched in the first quarter and the teams kept going back-and-forth. During the first half, some impressive plays from senior Lauren Mayn and freshman Chloe Hewatt-Marx helped keep the ball in play and advance Blair toward Richard Montgomery's rockets. It was a close game with frequent saves from Goalie Aley Martins and missed shots on goal, but by halftime, the score was 0-0.

Blair girls' varsity soccer photo 2

Photo: Senior Brianna Cruz

Senior Brianna Cruz Photo courtesy of Beck Rowe.

At the start of the second half, the Blazers were more aggressive, but Richard Montgomery matched the Blazers' energy and they continued competing head-to-head. Each team's drive and power could be seen with each play. Due to both team's aggressive nature, there were many fouls during the second half. The pressure was on and the crowd could feel it. The Blazers continued to cheer the Blazers on as the tension increased. When things got tough, the crowd was there to cheer the Blazers on. The tension resulted in some foul kicks that benefited the Blair Blazers.

Ultimately, it was a free kick that won Blair the game. At the 1:35-minute mark, Richard Montgomery fouled Blair, and Blair was awarded a free kick. 

With 1 minute and 22 seconds left in the game, Natalie Mullins shot a beautiful free kick that would result in the winning goal. “It’s always great to win on senior night,” Mullens said, “[the best part of the night] for me personally was the goal.”

Maya Bernstein, a senior and captain on the team, expressed her satisfaction with how they played. “I was proud of our pressure overall and our will to win the ball when it was coming to us,” Bernstein said.

Even though it was a close game, it was exciting and satisfying to watch. “Tonight’s game was honestly so amazing, I couldn’t have hoped for anything better,” Bernstein said.

Make sure to check out Blair girls soccer at their next game on Oct. 16 at Blake High School. Also, support them at playoffs and check the Blair athletics website for any updates!