West Orange HS girls’ soccer players praised for outstanding efforts; earn All-Area honors

WEST ORANGE – The West Orange High School girls’ varsity occer team certainly enjoyed much success this year.

And undoubtedly, there were several Mountaineers who helped lead the way.

The following WOHS players have earned Worrall Media All-Area honors: Kristina Jaeger, Racquel Chong, Anabella Schuler, Heidi Paulson, Kaylese Gist, Hannah Villasin and Krista Dong.

One of those players who made a significant contribution to this year’s group was senior center back Kristina Jaeger.

“Kristina Jaeger literally played every minute of every game,” said the team’s first-year head coach Sean Devore. “She was a calming influence and rock solid center back.”

Similarly, this year’s team was also led by senior center midfielder Racquel Chong, who scored one goal and had nine assists this year.

“She was a great ball winner,” added the coach who said junior center forward Anabella Schuler also had a strong year for WOHS.

This season Schuler finished with nine goals and four assists. “She’s a hard-working kid with the ability to high press and pressure opposing backs and she was our leading scorer this year,” Devore said.

In addition, this year’s team also received stellar play out of senior goalkeeper Heidi Paulson.

On the year, Paulson recorded seven shutouts for the team.

“She’s a very solid goalkeeper with the ability to sacrifice her body,” noted the coach, who also talked about sophomore forward Kaylese Gist. “Kaylee had eight goals and four assists and she paired well with Schuler. She has great speed and the ability to take people on.”

Another Mountaineer who had a strong year for the team was freshman midfielder Hannah Villasin.

“Hannah played defensive center midfield and showed a maturity beyond her age,” he said. “She has a very bright future for the program.”

Another player who enjoyed much success for West Orange was senior defensive midfielder Krista Dong.

“Krista scored one goal but helped keep team shape and helped to defend behind the ball,” he said.

In addition, Jaeger made first team, Schuler, Paulson and Chong made second team; and Dong and Gist each made honorable mention on the All-Super Essex Conference-Liberty Division.