Cory Hu
The Sharon High girls’ soccer team has carefully pieced together one of the more promising starts in the Hockomock League this fall through a dashing display of determination. After nine games, the Eagles stand at a record of 5–2–2, establishing themselves as a real contender heading into October.
A Promising Foundation
The girls’ head coach, Rebecca Kemp Borbey, called the beginning of the season “a great start,” acknowledging the team’s ability to handle business against tough opponents and refusing to keel over against powerhouses. Recent battles with King Phillip and Mansfield showcased Sharon’s grit, as the Eagles clawed back from deficits that seemed otherwise unattainable.
Borbey said that the team’s resilience has been the defining factor of the season. “A lot of the girls have had to play in multiple positions and try new things. They’ve really relied on each other, and I think that’s why we’re seeing success.”
Key Contributors Emerging
The Sharon Eagles’ offense has been piloted by sophomore striker Linda Jenner, who has tallied up a total of ten goals, four of which came from Sharon’s recent victory over Taunton, and three assists in only seven games. Her pace and scoring ability have often placed teams in difficult positions, forcing them to track her every movement.
Senior captain Jessica Li has provided steady pressure at forward, whereas senior captains Sophia Melpignano and Unimaya Sajeev have provided glue in the midfield. Altogether, this crew has acted as leaders on and off the field, adding steady production to the mix.
On the backline, junior goalkeeper Angela Bozzuto has been a brick wall, posting a 1.40 goals-against average and three shutouts, placing herself at third in the Hock.“Angela’s really stepping up as a leader in the back,” Borbey said. This statement has been true for many of the upperclassmen. Juniors are starting to define themselves as leaders among the team, while the seniors are solidifying their impact on the squad.
Turning Challenges Into Strengths
As many may know, the soccer team has been forced to play its home games on the Sharon High School baseball/field hockey surface. While this was an expected setback for the soccer team, Sharon flipped it into an edge on opponents. “Other teams come here and they’re like, ‘whoa, what is this?” Borbey laughed. “But we’re used to it now; we’ve started to make it work in our favor.”
Still, the Eagles know they need to sharpen their finishing. “We get a lot of good shots, but sometimes we make other teams look good by shooting it right at the goalie,” Borbey admitted. With a bit more polishing, the Eagles could be looking at many more wins in the future, securing their spot among the best in the Hockomock League.
Eagle “Pride” Culture
Beyond their tactics and stats, Sharon has one more secret weapon up their sleeve: team chemistry. “If we can be good teammates and good friends, the rest of it works itself out,” Borbey said. The competitive and ever-supportive atmosphere of the team has carried into each of their matches, where the Eagles’ energy shines above the opposition.
Looking Ahead
The team has been apparent with their goals: finish in the top three of the Kelly-Rex and qualify for the state tournament. With momentum on their side, they’re daring to aim higher. “Now we’re asking, can we push that to second? Can we get into that first-versus-second game at the end of the year?” Borbey said.
Sharon High students can look out for one large looming matchup, Foxboro on October 10, Senior Night under the lights, the exact kind of stage that Sharon has been building toward.
With a newfound spark on offense, lockdown of the net, and captains setting the one, the Eagles have found the formula for a breakthrough. If this team can continue to win key games when needed, this fall could end not only with another tournament berth, but also with a statement about where the program is headed.