Columbia HS girls’ soccer team ties Montclair

MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – The Columbia High School girls’ varsity soccer team played to a 1-1 tie against a highly-regarded Montclair High School team on Sept. 14 at DeHart Park.

Isadora Egypt scored on an assist by Naomi Joseph for the Cougars in the second half. Montclair scored on an own goal to tie it. The game went to two overtimes, but neither team scored, resulting in the tie.

Hannah Williams made 15 saves for CHS, which moved to a 1-0-1 mark.

Montclair moved to 2-0-1.

CHS head coach Ashley Corino was proud of her team’s effort.

We had a great defensive game, starting with our goalkeeper, Hannah Williams, who played aggressive and owned the box,” Corino said. “Our back four, Mimi Joseph, Olivia Smith, Liana Runcie, and Lauren Lake, played one of the most consistent and together game I have seen them play so far this year. Our defenders worked so well together that it echoed through to the midfield and forwards.  We also were able to shut down Montclair’s best player, Jillian Jennings, by making sure our center mid, Merry Meyer, was high pressure on her at all times. Every player on our team got on the field in the game and we did not lose a step. “Our varsity team has so much heart and determination that every player worked extremely hard each time they got on the field.

“Coming out in the second half and scoring first off of Mimi Joseph’s corner to Izzy Egypt’s head was an example of our tough play and efforts. However, they came back and had a corner shortly after, that we were unable to clear and ended up leading to an own goal. Overall we played a fantastic game start to finish.”