October showdowns loom
For Griffins and Jaguars
As the second half of the season opens, attention focuses on the week of October 3-9 when games will take place between Cooperative and International that could settle the regular season titles in boys and girls soccer, as well as girls volleyball.
Here’s the way the second half of the season shapes up in varsity competition in both sports:
BOYS SOCCER – The Jaguars and Griffins were tied at mid-season with seven points apiece – just as they were in the match they played to a scoreless tie against each other. Both teams played superbly, and both had chances to score. It’s unlikely they’ll play another contest without goals.
Cambridge has shown it can be a spoiler, with several new players who have shown a knack for explosive scoring. Christian Learning is an acknowledged “rebuilding year” but the reconstruction may be completed in the second half. The Eagles have played close games against both Cambridge and International.
GIRLS SOCCER – International showed that its early and intensive training, including practices before school started, paid off when it nearly upset the Jaguars, the defending champions and overwhelming pre-season favorites. The Griffins led most of the game, and finally lost 2-1 only after allowing an own goal near the end of the game.
Cambridge and Christian Learning will both have to increase their scoring potential to have a chance to play a role in the contest for the League regular season championship, but both have been improving.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL – Cooperative got through the first half of the season undefeated with a 3-0 record, but were not unscathed. The Jaguars dropped a set to a fast-improving Christian Learning team, and had a close set against International, which finished the first half in second place. Cambridge showed dangerous potential in taking a set against International.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – Cooperative and International resumed this season where they left off the previous season, in which they had battled evenly all the way to the final set of the playoffs, which were ultimately won by International. Cooperative took the first match of the season in three sets, but handicappers should keep in mind that they did that last year too.
Cambridge has shown it can play the league leaders on even terms for long stretches, and took a set against Cooperative, but hasn’t been able to show a high enough level of consistency. Christian Learning has played even more unevenly, but when the Eagles have been good, they´ve been very good.
In the junior varsity races, both boys soccer and girls soccer are close, with three teams still in the race for the regular season title. International has dominated the junior varsity competition in both girls and boys volleyball.
