Under the shiny lights of the nest, Park’s girls soccer team took on the Chaska Hawks for an intense battle that ultimately resulted in a 2-1 win for the Orioles Sept. 18. After staying tied for the majority of the game, Park scored in the final 10 minutes, securing their win.
According to head coach Anne Beaton, the team’s positive mindset and drive during senior night, and strong energy throughout the game, had a huge impact on them coming out with a win.
“You know I feel like the work ethic has been climbing all season, but I think what impacted senior night was the spirit,” said Beaton. “I think we just had a really positive fun energy tonight.”
Senior Vesna Dennison said that going into the game she felt some nerves due to their opponents past performances.
“Well, me personally, I was a little nervous. Chaska is always really aggressive and pretty dirty and it’s always a battle,” said Dennison. “So I was a little nervous, but we got the job done.”
Junior Stella Bentley mentioned her admiration for one of her team captains, Vesna Dennison.
“I would shout out Vesna because she’s just always lifting up the team and encouraging everybody when we start giving up,” said Bentley.
Junior Maisie Carlson said her hard teammate and captain, Hanna Wilsey, worked hard during the game.
“I’d shout out Hanna because she always works so hard,” said Carlson. “She works to get assists plus goals, and she’s such a supportive teammate.”
Beaton said how the senior group will be missed because of the energy that they bring to the team.
“I really will miss their energy. I think they’re a super positive group,” said Beaton. “They’re really close to each other, but they’re always open to all the other kids on the team and bringing them up with them.”
Dennison said that the team did a decent job with communication, although there is definitely room for improvement.
“I thought we did better than we usually do. I mean, I don’t think it’s where it could be, but I definitely feel that it’s getting better as the season continues,” said Dennison.
Carlson said that the team hoped to get a win for the seniors on their special night.
“The team was looking forward to supporting our seniors and having a good game and winning,” said Carlson.
The next girls soccer match will be at 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Nest against the Waconia Wildcats.
