The Alternative Press

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – The Highlanders won a decisive victory in Thursday’s Girls’ Varsity Soccer match against Union High School. Despite thick fog and slippery turf at Snyder Field, Governor Livingston prevailed to increase their record to a solid 8-3 for the season so far.

Sophomore Julia Stirpe scored Governor Livingston’s first goal, five minutes into the game, with an assist from senior Jenn French. Union’s Alina Rivera then scored off of a corner kick, tying the game for the next 20 minutes. At this point, Jenn French scored GL’s second goal, with Stirpe assisting. With four minutes remaining in the half, the Highlanders scored again, this time with a goal by freshman Lindsay DiStaso. Goalkeepers Katie Rupp of Union and Casey Krause of Governor Livingston each made five saves during the half.

“It was difficult, physically and mentally, for us to try to come back after letting the goals through, but we tried and worked hard in the second half,” Union Head Coach Eric Shaw said. In the second half of the match, Union’s defense prevented any further goals from Governor Livingston, while their offense took almost constant shots on the Highlanders’ goal.

However, Governor Livington's strong defense reflected most of these. Krause made 12 impressive saves, while Rupp only had to make one for the entirety of the half. No more goals were scored on either side for the rest of the game.

Governor Livignston senior Alyssa Cranston told TheAlternativePress.com that this win was a “great comeback” from Tuesday’s loss to rival Scotch Plains-Fanwood.

 “[Playing varsity] is a whole different level," Highlander freshman Amanda Botswick said. "It can be tough, but it’s really rewarding to have games like this one.”