November 22, 2022
Coming off an open division appearance and 13-5-1 overall record last season, the girls’ varsity soccer squad has three headlines: youth, experience and depth.
Veteran head coach Philip De Rosa and the varsity program welcome an unexpected surprise this winter: seven new faces from one of the top freshman classes of De Rosa’s 25 year tenure. Following the loss of a dominant senior class that carried the defensive line — including college commits Ella Macko, Amalie Pianim and Sofie Rodriguez — freshmen contributions should help to alleviate their absences.
The Panthers also return a seasoned and equally talented group of upperclassmen. Seniors Josie Lacrosse and Olivia Mausehund, who have started on the varsity level their entire time at Burlingame, are expected to be impact players in the midfield. Senior Jamie Callantine, who missed last season due to a torn ACL, doesn’t look like she’s missed a beat. Juniors Cora Haggarty, Kaylee Ng and Elise Spenner, who have also been varsity starters throughout their high school careers, will be keys to a strong frontline. And senior Emily Geraghty, who De Rosa described as incredibly dependable, will be the starting goalie this year.
De Rosa is a defensive-minded coach, as 11 of the team’s 13 wins last season were shutouts. With a re-equipped defensive line and what he says is a feisty, tenacious and mentally tough group, that approach should carry into this season.
Looking at his roster from top to bottom, De Rosa emphasized that every one of the players were capable starters. While seniors Dana Brooks and Emma Glynn are nursing a knee and hip injury, Burlingame will have a “next man up” mentality.
Interestingly, the team has three pairs of siblings: Emma Glynn and junior Roisin Glynn, Cora Haggarty and freshman Mika Haggarty, as well as Olivia Mausehund and freshman Sophia Mausehund. Perhaps that is partly the reason for the team’s easy and jubilant chemistry — already palpable early in the season.
Ahead of the team’s first home game against Mills High School on Nov. 29, De Rosa will continue to experiment with rotations and solidify his starting lineup. Either way, expect contributions across the squad, and for the Panthers to play toe-to-toe with their opponents in an always competitive Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division.
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Michelle Moshkovoy is a senior and a third-year journalism student at Burlingame High School. She is excited to be sports editor this year, delving deeper...
