“Heading” for a Cure in Montville

On Monday, October 3rd, the Ledyard High School girls’ soccer team descended off the bus onto a pristine turf field. Despite looming storm clouds, hopes were high. The team was ready to take on Montville High School in their own ALS Cup fundraiser. An hour later, the Ledyard boys’ soccer team stepped off another bus with the same goal in mind.

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Patients lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, resulting in difficulty speaking, eating, walking, and even breathing. The ALS Cup fundraiser is a Montville High School annual tradition. The money Montville raises through ticket sales and concessions goes towards ALS research. Ledyard was honored to be asked to participate this year.

The teams were faced with fierce weather conditions. At the start of the girls’ game, the rain came crashing down. Both teams were determined to stay and battle it out, tackling slippery turf and reduced visibility. The Ledyard girls’ team fought hard, unfortunately falling to Montville 0-1. Later in the evening, the Ledyard boys lost to the home team as well, 0-6.

Both of Ledyard’s teams remained high-spirited and determined to make a comeback.

“The boy’s team is great group of guys who want to be successful and work hard to make it possible,” Coach Bill Glenney said. They have since been successful, redeeming themselves in wins over Two Rivers Magnet High School, Woodstock Academy and New London High School. The girls also celebrated victories against Fitch High School and New London High School.

Ledyard Pink-Out Game

One notable achievement for both teams was a clean sweep against Wheeler High School at Ledyard’s third annual “Pink-Out Game.” The double header was held Saturday, Oct. 8th, at Blonders Park.  The event was dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, and Ledyard gathered $1,200 for the cause.

The girls were victorious in a 5-0 win, and the boys followed suit with a 2-0 win. Goals were scored by Isabelle Mercer, Stephanie Vetrano, Sarah Serbascewicz, Jenna Topalis, and Trevor Hutchins.

Currently, the boys are prepping for the state tournament and the girls are wrapping up their season.

Rachel Kane, Staff Writer

Junior Rachel Kane is a staff writer for the 2016-2017 Colonel. Aside from playing varsity soccer and tennis, she is also the secretary of Tri-M and dances outside of school.