RHS Girls’ Soccer
Garnets Hang Tough and Upend Ursuline

The Garnets scored a gutsy victory at home under the lights September 20, relying on strong defense and goaltending to best Ursuline 1-0.
Sophomore goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders made 10 saves in the game, including a vital stop on an Ursuline breakaway in the second half. Senior captain Alex Rimmer connected on the go-ahead penalty shot with a quarter hour remaining. Rye improved to 3-1 by beating the Class AA power.
“We knew Ursuline was a very talented team going into the game, and our immediate goal was to shut down their offense,” said head coach Rich Savage. “We continuously made adjustments, and in the second half came out playing the ball on the ground and attacking on the outside, which was one of the major differences.”
Ursuline controlled possession for much of the first half, but the Garnets rotated 4 to 6 players to ensure fresh legs in the second half. Nevertheless, it was up to Saunders and the defense to buoy the team until the offense could provide a goal. Aside from Saunders’ jailbreak stop, Savage pointed to a defensive play from freshman Kelly McRedmond as the key. The freshman – playing in her first game due to earlier injuries – backed up Saunders with a crucial stop of a ball about to cross the goal line.
The Garnets were much more aggressive in the second half, penetrating Ursuline’s defense to create scoring opportunities of their own. A hand ball was called on Ursuline with 15 minutes left to set up the pivotal penalty shot.
“We played a lot better in the second half,” said Rimmer. “Ursuline is such a good team and the game really could have gone either way. Our season is going well and we’re becoming more of a team by working together.” Rimmer noted the entire team would volunteer the next day at 6:15 a.m. for the Westchester Triathlon.
Rye’s next game is at home September 26, against Eastchester.
–      Melanie Cane