Woburn Battles Winchester For Breast Cancer Awareness

On Friday, October 19, the varsity girls’ soccer team at Woburn Memorial High School battled the Winchester Sachems during their second annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The skies opened up early, but the Lady Tanners emerged strong. They may have not been in a position to take the Middlesex League title, but the Tanners were determined to stop Winchester in their tracks.

The girls stepped on the field, ready to warm up, proudly wearing bright pink jerseys, as in the previous year, to support Breast Cancer Awareness. The Sachems also sported pink headbands and hair ties. With the help of previous WMHS soccer captain Meaghan Finn and mother Brenda, the Tanners were able to raise donations to support the cause. There weren’t as many fans as previous games because of the impeding storm, but the Tanners were still excited to take the field to support such a great cause.

“It was an honor to play the sport I love for such a great cause! It made me want to give 110% more effort. So many people have suffered through, died, and survived of cancer, and it’s important that people honor them and continue to support the fight against cancer,” said freshman Nicole Pacheco.

They Lady Tanners were led onto the field by senior captains Laura Rosa, Courtney Wilson, and Allie Santullo. Unfortunately, the Sachems put one into the back of the net early, but that did not stop Woburn. If the Tanners are known for one thing, it is putting up a fight despite being behind. Pressuring the Sachem offense were defensemen seniors Becky Lake, Laura Rosa,  juniors LeAnn DiMauro, Ally Mann, Sam Young, sophomores Julie O’Melia and Sam D’Angelo. Senior Allie Santullo, juniors Cassie Magro and Erin Kimmelman, and freshman Kaitlin Cronin controlled the midfield, while senior Danielle Dulong, sophomore Kaycie Burke, and freshman Morgan Bishop, pressured the flanks. Senior Courtney Wilson, juniors Olivia Schwarz and Megan O’Connor made many attempts at scoring, but the Tanners were unlucky.

Referees stopped the game after seeing multiple lightning strikes, but it shortly resumed a half hour later. Amongst the fans encouraging the Tanners was cancer survivor Carol Michelini and her husband Dean Michelini, who coaches in the youth program. The Tanners continued to fight for the win, but came up short at the end of the game, adding another 2-0 loss against the Sachems.

“Even though we didn’t win, we came together as a team and played our hearts out for a great cause. Our parents and fans stood in the pouring rain to come watch our game, which only helped us play harder,” said Dulong.

At the end of the game the Tanners and Sachems jogged across the field, proud of their efforts in a well-fought battle to raise Breast Cancer Awareness. The Woburn Tanners will honor their seniors on Wednesday October 24, 2012, as they take on the Reading Rockets at the Connolly Stadium.