VIDEO, PHOTOS: Lady Warriors get first win after returning to action following one-year hiatus

Posted: September 17th 2024

Wildwood's Ellasyn Morey shields off a Salem Tech player before trying to cross the ball toward the penalty area.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

WILDWOOD – The Wildwood High School girls soccer program is in the process of a remarkable renaissance.

The team never took the field last season, due to low numbers.

When that occurs, the return to play can often be arduous.

But now 20 players strong, the Lady Warriors are back in action this fall.

Monday afternoon, they secured their first victory since Oct. 25, 2022, with a 6-2 result over Salem Tech, improving the inexperienced side to 1-3 on the season.

“Getting this win was huge for them and it’s great for morale,” Wildwood coach Sierra Palmer said. “We’re finally putting passes together as a team and we’re starting to work more as a team.”

Nyara Alves, one of the team’s many freshmen, netted a hat trick and added an assist to lead Wildwood’s offense in the win. Junior Ashley Moreno, one of the team’s few older players, added two goals, one of which came on a penalty kick. Freshman Ellasyn Morey also added a goal and another freshman, Mollie Farrell, chipped in an assist.

As basically a new program with young players, Wildwood struggled through its first three games, falling to Pitman, Woodstown and Gloucester Catholic. But the win over Salem Tech is an indication that brighter days could be ahead for such a young team that has just two seniors in Janet Gonzales and Maria Salas. About  half the roster is made up of freshmen. There are also five sophomores.

“This is our rebuilding year,” Palmer said. “We’re hoping as time goes on to make this unit strong and cohesive.”

The players’ dedication has been evident since the summertime, the coach said.

“It’s been amazing to get this going again,” Palmer said. “We’ve been going since July and we were getting at least 15 girls every practice. It shows how strong the support has been. It’s been incredible.”

Ashley Moreno scored two goals in Wildwood's 6-2 win over Salem Tech.

Wildwood's Mollie Farrell races toward the ball ahead of a Salem Tech player.

Wildwood's Addison Troiano wins the ball in the midfield as teammate Julia Ennis looks on.

Sarai Salas Lopez of Wildwood battles for possession.

Wildwood's Mollie Farrell races past a Salem Tech defender.

Wildwood's Lily Atkinson (left) and Addison Troiano (center) celebrate with teammate Nyara Alves after Alves scored the second of her three goals.

Wildwood's Maddie Stratz advances as teammate Ellasyn Morey looks on.

Wildwood's Sarai Salas Lopez battles in the midfield.

Wildwood's Valentina Mellado races in an effort to keep the ball inbounds.