The Class B New York State Champions. Photo by Elizabeth Vranka.

By S.Q DeJoy and J. Murrer

Nov. 17, 2021: When the Bronxville girls’ soccer team left for the New York State Championships last Friday, they were given an enthusiastic sendoff. The Elementary School students lined the halls waving blue and white pompoms as the girls left the school to board the bus. The Broncos, who had won both sectionals and regionals, were headed to the next chapter of an unforgettable season.

The soccer team getting a sendoff from the Elementary School. Photo courtesy of @BXVHS_principal.

At the New York State Championships at SUNY Cortland this past weekend, the Broncos clinched the Class B State Title with a 3-0 win over Saranac in Saturday’s semifinals and a 2-0 win over Lewiston-Porter in the state final game on Sunday.  

“It was an amazing ride for these kids who worked extremely hard all season,” said Coach Don Cupertino.  “To culminate with a state title is something special.”

Coach Don Cupertino and the team captains after winning the State championship. Photo by Elizabeth Vranka.

The girls’ team finished the season with a 19-1-1 record, and in the six-game post-season, the Broncos were dominant scoring 17 goals and giving up only one.

In the state semifinal game against Saranac, Amy Villanueva scored a goal eight minutes into the game with an assist from Maddy Stupart.  The Broncos went on to score two more times: CeCe Jablonsky scored on a corner kick from Lily Jebejian just four minutes after the first goal, and late in the second half, Whitney Rowan hit a rocket shot in the upper corner to score the third. 

Villanueva stepped up to play forward in the semifinals after key defender Megan Krestinksi was unable to play because of illness. Krestinski’s twin sister Molly, who usually plays forward, moved to defense, and Villanueva took her spot. The versatility of the Bronxville players is a key part of their success.

The top-seeded Broncos faced No. 4 Lewiston-Porter on Sunday in the state championship game and knew they had to give it their all.   

“We were really excited to play in the state final,” said Co-captain Milly Koenig.  “It was the game we were looking forward to the whole season and for me, since 8^th grade. We watched the film and looked at their key players, and we knew it would be a difficult game.”

In the first half of the final game against the Lancers, there was a lot of back and forth but the game remained scoreless at the half.

“We all thought that we could do it, but anyone can win on any given day,” said Koenig. “During halftime, Cupe [Cupertino] did a really good job calming us down and telling us to play our game. He told us to focus on what we can do and that really helped us going into the second half.”

After a tense first half, the Broncos came out and took the lead at the 33 -minute mark when Maddy Stupart crossed the ball to Cece Jablonsky for the first goal of the game.

Maddy Stupart (14) at the New York State Championships. Photo by Elizabeth Vranka.

“It was probably one of the best feelings ever,” said Stupart, a sophomore.  “It was a big relief. After the first half we were nervous because the possession was about even and both teams had good chances. We knew if we scored one goal, we would get momentum.”

The Broncos scored again with just eight minutes left when Stupart scored on an assist from Lily Jebejian to give Bronxville the 2-0 win. Stupart was named most outstanding player of the game, and Koenig., who allowed only three goals this season, was named most outstanding goalkeeper.

It was an amazing season for the Broncos who were led by senior captains, Kiki Tormey, Alice Vranka, Jebejian, and Koenig. In addition to the captains, there are nine other seniors on the team: Bridget Finley, Megan Krestinski, Molly Krestinski, Eliza Ramundo, Phoebe Matthews, Charlotte Harwood, Ava Singh, Isabella Horbers, and Caleigh Alberghine.

“The entire team has such a strong chemistry both on and off the field,” said Koenig.  “Technical ability only gets you so far but at the end of the day it is how much you want it for yourselves and the coaches.”

The Bronxville girls’ soccer team at the State Championships. Photo by Elizabeth Vranka.

The girls could not have played better for their long-time coach, Don Cupertino, and assistant coaches Caitlin Hoffer, Michaela Donohue, and Jenna Finelli.

“Defenders Megan Krestinski, Bridget Finely, Charlotte Harwood and Jillian Byrne were absolutely tremendous throughout the year,” said Coach Cupertino. “We were able to play well in the middle, and Kiki, Molly, and Alice continually were able to dominate in the final two games.”

While the starting players after often most visible, every player had a part in winning the State Championship.

“Even the players not on the field had a big impact on the game,” said Stupart.  “They cheered us on and were always part of the team to keep us going. They didn’t have to be on the field to make an impact.”

It was the third State Championship for the Bronxville girls’ soccer program and Coach Cupertino. The Broncos won the state title in 2010 and 2014. 

The Bronxville girls celebrating their victory. Photo by Elizabeth Vranka.

When the busload of Broncos returned home on Sunday night, they were met with a police escort. As they arrived at the school, they were cheered on by their many fans.

“That was actually amazing,” said Stupart.  “It really shows how supportive the community is. It made us feel good. We won states for ourselves, the seniors and the coaches, but it also felt like we won it for Bronxville. It seemed like everyone won, and it was super cool.”

Go Broncos