VIDEO: Middle’s Sgrignioli scores 50th in win in Hall's Carpet Care Game of the Week

Posted: September 27th 2023

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – A few inches prevented Olivia Sgrignioli from experiencing a highlight-reel goal to reach a milestone.

She later settled for a poacher’s tally to join exclusive company in the Middle Township High School girls soccer program.

Sgrignioli toe-poked the rebound of a shot past the Hammonton goalkeeper a little less than midway through the second half of Tuesday’s game to reach the 50-goal milestone for her career. The goal, her second of the game, helped Middle to a 5-0 victory.

“I kind of wanted to get it on a good goal, but it felt good just to get it,” Sgrignioli said.

Sgrignioli is just the fifth player in Middle girls soccer history to reach 50 career goals. The others are Tara Davis (1996 graduate, 104 goals), Danielle McCann (2014, 102), former teammate Ciara “CC” DiMauro (2023, 53) and Maddie DeVico (2012, 50).

“It means a lot,” Sgrignioli said. “When I was getting close to 50 I really wanted to get it because it makes me think I accomplished something big.

“After CC got it last year, I kind of wanted to keep it going. I wanted to push myself and get it. I think we have a few girls on the team now that might get it, too.”

Sgrignioli’s 49th goal, which came in the first half, was a thing of beauty. The diminutive forward chipped the ball over the goalkeeper’s head from about 15 yards away and into the side panel at the far post.

She nearly reached the milestone a few minutes later but her shot, again from around the 18-yard line, struck the crossbar.

“I was a little upset when I hit the crossbar,” Sgrignioli said. “But I knew I’d get one eventually.”

Sgrgnioli, a senior, is set to play college soccer at Division III Penn State Harrisburg.

“The coach (Brandon West) reached out a bunch of times,” she said. “I went to a camp there and I worked well with all the girls and they told me the coach really liked me as a player. It’s not a big campus, which I like, and it’s not too far from home. I thought it was the best fit for me.”

Sgrignioli is a four-year starter for Middle.

“I I love every girl on our team,” she said. “Ever since I started, the seniors were really nice to me and made me feel welcome to the team. I felt like I had to work hard in every practice to earn my spot. I’ve tried to have that same attitude every day.”

Middle’s win over Hammonton improved the team to 4-3. Kayleigh Sanchez, Gracie Repici and Riley Odom also scored in the victory. Repici and Gabby Oliver each posted two assists. McKenzie Palek had the shutout in goal.