Returning Starters Give Mahopac Spark

MAHOPAC – With the bulk of the starting lineup back for another season, the Mahopac High girls soccer team is looking for bigger and better things in 2009.

Jenna Ruocco The Indians will certainly be hardpressed to replace the explosiveness of Carly Villanova, a two-time All-Section forward who graduated last spring. But coach Ross Fumusa believes he has the talent that could see the Indians be an even better team this fall.

Here’s a look at this year’s Indians squad. TEAM – Mahopac High girls soccer COACH – Ross Fumusa, second year LAST YEAR’S RECORD/FINISH – 11-8-1, lost in sectional quarterfinal to North Rockland (double overtime) WHAT’S EXCITING ABOUT THIS TEAM? – “We have a lot of returning players,” Fumusa said. “And they’re healthy, which they weren’t last year. If we can stay healthy, it will be interesting to see what we can do. And with the new league alignment it will be exciting to see what we can do against some of those teams. We’ll still see the Dutchess teams in crossovers, but we won’t play them six times a season.” RETURNING STARTERS – Denise Palumbo (12, F), Erica Palumbo (12, D), Jenna Ruocco (12, M), Nicole Quarto (12, M), Jackie Leo (12, D), Monica D’Ippolito (12, G), Emily Hatch (12, M), Jenny DeMattio (12, D). RETURNING PLAYERS – Christina Zappavigna (11, M), Caitlin Hynes (11, SW), Danielle Crecco (11, F), Michelle Swift (12, M) NEW PLAYERS – Erin Felix (10, F), Mariah Vellek (11, D), Katie Vassallo (11, M), Tess Fariselli (10, M), Kasey Horan (11, M), Nicole Shannon (11, M), Emily Perrelle (11, D), Donna Perruzza (11, M) LEAGUE – The new League 1-B includes Carmel, Mahopac, Brewster, Lakeland, Yorktown, Panas. “It will definitely be competitive,” Fumusa said. “Some of the teams we’ve never played, so I’m not sure what to expect. But it should be fairly even. I’m looking forward to playing Brewster, Panas and some others… If we can stay healthy I expect to challenge for a league title.” OUTLOOK – The Indians will look to their veterans for leadership. “I’m looking for Denise Palumbo and Erin Felix for some goals,” the coach said. “On defense, D’Ippolito could have a great season, and Hynes should be tough at sweeper. We don’t have one person to rely on for scoring, so it will probably be a mix of people, which isn’t a bad thing. This is a very smart team, they move the ball well and they’re very aggressive. I hope to be a better team than last year, from what I’ve seen so far.”

Anthony D’Arco Danielle Crecco Skip Pearlman Mahopac opens the 2009 season September 10, taking on Somers at the Yorktown Tournament. The tournament continues on the 12th with consolation and championship games.
Mykhaylo Panchishak