Girl's Soccer vs. Handley

April 25, 2012
By ROBERT NIEDZWIECKI

WINCHESTER — Senior forward Cindy Quarles’ exceptional ball-striking ability was on display in the first half when she scored two goals in 33 seconds, and it was even evident when she ripped three shots that each barely missed within a span of 80 seconds early in the second half.

Her third goal might not have been a demonstration of a powerful foot, but it was an example of a couple of other qualities that are critical for any exceptional goal scorer — quick reflexes, and desire.

Quarles’ header goal in the first minute of overtime on a ball that had caromed off the crossbar capped her first career hat trick for the Handley girls’ soccer team and proved to be the game-winner in a 4-2 overtime win over Northwestern District rival James Wood Tuesday at the Handley Bowl.

“There it is and boom, right back in,” Handley coach John Lynch said. “That’s what’s great about Cindy. She has those quick reactions, she makes those quick adjustments, and that allows her to keep the ball on her foot or the ball on her body a lot — a lot more often than the average player.

“The other thing too is that she was playing physically aggressive the whole game, and that helped. Because it gave us someone we know that was going to go in and win a ball. ... As soon as we get the ball in her area, she’s going to win it, and she’s going to go after it.”

Because Quarles was aggressive in overtime, the Judges (4-5, 3-1 Northwestern) got the critical goal they needed to keep within striking distance of first-place Millbrook (4-0 Northwestern) heading into Thursday’s critical matchup between the two rivals at the Handley Bowl.

Shortly in the extra session, the Judges’ sophomore midfielder Madai Guzman was fouled 37 yards from the Millbrook goal on the right side of the field.

Handley junior sweeper Kim Rosario took the free kick and sent a ball left toward the top of the penalty box. The ball short-hopped midfielder Alison Snow, who flicked it high toward the center of the goal.

James Wood goalkeeper Vanessa Sousa (seven saves) reached high to stop it, but the ball deflected off her hands and off the crossbar. Faster than you can blink an eye, the ball began its descent, and after charging in Quarles was there to head the ball in.

Quarles said there wasn’t much time to react. She just followed the flight of the ball, and after heading it her momentum carried her into the goal and gave the Judges the momentum they needed to finish off an important win. With James Wood (4-5, 1-3) pushing for the equalizer, Handley freshman midfielder Grace Volinsky scored from outside the 18 in the final minute to complete the scoring.

“I think this was a game that’s really a game-changer for our season,” said Quarles, who added that she’s only had hat tricks for her Winchester United club team. “I think we’re really prepared for what’s going to happen next.”

Before Handley could think about Thursday, the Judges needed to clean up their play Tuesday. The Judges surrendered two goals in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Both came after freshman goalkeeper Ellie Volinsky (six saves) had stopped hard blasts, only to watch Alex Lew and Sarah Callaham knock in rebounds.

“Our coach really got us fired up after halftime,” Quarles said. “I think we talked better [in the second half] and played the ball on the ground [more].”

Handley’s defense also limited the Colonels to fewer scoring chances after halftime, holding them to three shots in the second half and overtime after giving up seven shots in the first half. The Judges had 22 shots. James Wood coach Jim Carden said his team wasn’t able to win as many balls as it needed to.

“I thought they beat us to the ball,” he said. “They know the field, and they were quicker than we were. It looked like they were ready to play and we weren’t, and I need to take the blame for that. I should have them ready.

“The players are disappointed [with the loss]. They work hard. But we’ll just go back to the drawing board and get ready for Sherando [Thursday].”

On the other side, Handley is where it wants to be as it heads into its own big matchup, and very much pleased it didn’t walk away with a tie.

“Millbrook’s a very nice team this year, and to be competitive, you’re going to have to battle,” Lynch said. “If you’re getting ties against other teams in your district, it’s not going to be effective. You’ve got to get wins.

“You can’t hope for the best. You’ve got to control your own destiny. In overtime, we did that, and we looked good.”

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