The RBHS girls’ soccer team faced the highest ranked team in the state, Cor Jesu Academy (CJA), May 6. The team lost 0-3 after playing two 40-minute halves. Scott Wittenborn, the girls’ soccer coach, said their effort throughout this game was the best of the season regardless of the many injured players. 

“This game was as fast paced and physical as any we’ve had this season and even when we were trailing, the team fought the entire game,” Wittenborn said. “We created a handful of dangerous chances and defended extremely well. However, Cor Jesu [Academy] was able to capitalize on our mistakes.”

The game was the last home match of the season and the team faced one of their toughest opponents. With a record of 14-5-1 through their season, the Bruins prepared for a hard game, but CJA was able to take the final win. CJA made two goals in the first half and one in the last half while RBHS played defensively, Wittenborn said. Senior Izzy Cole said her competitiveness helped her during thee hard game.

“They were constantly moving, making us on defense have to be constantly moving and communicating who needed to mark who. [This] challenged us the whole game,” Cole said. “Playing against this team taught us so many valuable lessons on how to play aggressive, move off the ball and communicate.”

Sophomore Ella Hendershott said RBHS and CJA had the same amount of possession over the ball, which helped the team try their best in the game. She made several runs and passes in both halves. 

“Cor Jesu Academy [CJA] is quite faster on the ball than any other high school we played this year,” Hendershott said. “We responded to that by matching their energy and playing to their level.”

In the last 30 minutes of the game, CJA scored their final goal of the game. RBHS continued to play defensively by strategically positioning their players around the field, Wittenborn said.

“The game didn’t end how we would’ve wanted it to end, losing 0-3. Cor Jesu Academy [CJA] is a really good team that pushed us to play our most aggressive game of the year,” Cole said.  “Even though this was the toughest game of the year, we never gave up. We fought until the game was over, which is what I love about this team.”

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