Written by S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Nov. 19, 2014: The Bronxville girls' soccer team clinched the Class B New York State Championship this past weekend, shutting out the number-one seed, Westhill, in the semifinals and decisively defeating the Port Jefferson Royals 3-0 in the final game. It is the second state title for the Broncos, who last won in 2010.

In the championship game against Port Jefferson, the Broncos dominated most of the game and took the lead just four minutes in when Mason Warble scored on a 25-yard blast from the top of the box. Bronxville went ahead 2-0 in the second half when senior Caitlin Fryer headed the ball into the net from the ground and the third Bronco goal was scored by Lucy Kohlhoff with an assist from Fryer.

Warble was named tournament MVP and co-captain Killian Donohue was given the sportsmanship award. Seniors Kohlhoff and Fryer led the team in goals this season with 21 and 20, respectively. Fryer, a senior, has committed to play soccer next fall at the University of Miami.

The semifinal game against top-ranked Westhill turned out to be the most challenging of the weekend. The Broncos scored their first and only goal just fifteen minutes into the game when Beth Finley took a pass from Mason Warble and beat the keeper high. That one goal was just enough to give the Broncos a win and a spot in the state finals.

"The Westhill game was really great," said Mason's sister Charley, who is the Bronco goalie and team co-captain. "They had one really fast, talented forward, and she was unbelievable. We ended up winning, but it was a close, scrappy game."

It was not all smooth sailing for the Bronco team during playoffs. Kohlhoff broke her wrist in the sectional semifinals but luckily was able to continue to play with a padded cast. Key defensive player Charlotte Schmuck became ill just before the state tournament, and the Broncos had to switch up the defense.

"It definitely took a lot of consideration to decide who we were going to switch in the back," said Kohlhoff. "Cupe [Coach Don Cupertino] decided to move Natalie [Kister] to center back and Killian [Donohue] from midfield to left outside. Eighth-grader Rachael Peacock came in to play at midfield."

The Broncos worked hard from the summer right through last week and kept their focus on winning in the hope of making it to states. They finished the regular season with only one loss (21-1) and defeated Putnam Valley, Westlake, Albertus Magnus, and Briarcliff to win their fifth consecutive Class B Section 1 title. Throughout the season they never seemed to lose their focus.

"Right before the final game, one of the coaches told us it was our 93rd day together since starting in August," said Donohue. "It is bittersweet to see the season end. We are all sad that it is over but happy we ended at the highest point possible."

"I am extremely proud of the girls and what they accomplished," said longtime Coach Don Cupertino. "The girls had a wonderful experience and will never forget the memories they shared."

Congratulations to the New York State Class B champions.

Killian Donohue
Charley Warble
Taylor Sears
Mason Warble
Beth Finley
Lucy Whitney
Caitlin Fryer
Lucy Kohlhoff
Natalie Kister
Charlotte Schmuck
Fallon Raviol
Jillian Rohr
Catherine Toal
Celia Haims
Maddie Coyne
Caroline Dent
Gabriela Amboss
Rachael Peacock
Laura Holland
Sarah Wagner
Kunzang Namgyal
Grace Randall
Allie Berkery

Pictured here (rotating): The 2014 state champions; (L to R) the senior girls, Lucy Kohlhoff, Lucy Whitney, Killian Donohue (capt.), Charley Warble (capt.), Katie Toal, Caitlin Fryer, and Jillian Rohr; the Bronco girls celebrate winning the state championship; Bronxville High School Assistant Principal Marcellus Lessane joins in the celebration.

Photos by Kathie Donohue