The Sports Watch for July 25 - July 30

It's Sunday, and you know what that means. It's time for the Sports Watch, the fastest three minutes in Weston Sports coming your way right now:

Well, Weston High girls head soccer coach James Blackwell is already planning ahead. His team won the Division 3 state title last fall, but, hey, “last year was last year,” Blackwell said. “Too many teams and coaches dwell on past successes. I want our team to move on and aim to be better.”

There are reasons to believe Weston can do it again, folks. Between their returning veteran standouts and strong incoming talent, the sky seems to be the limit for this bunch.

“We are very lucky to have such a great town soccer program here in Weston and they play a huge role in developing the high school players we have now and the future high school players,” Blackwell said.

The ‘Cats have their back five returning in goalkeeper Alissa Duffey and defenders Cara Lembo, Ashna Saini, Hannah Graves, and Sarah Peters.

All five shined in their roles, and Peters and Graves were named to the Dual County League All-Star squad, on the first and second teams, respectively, last year.

“Both are very strong, aggressive, athletic,” Blackwell said. “Sarah and Hannah were very important for us last year, and I am hoping that they will maintain their high standards this year.”

Offensively, Maddie Linde, also a DCL All-Star,  is expected to be a big threat for the ‘Cats.

“She is one of the most technical players in the state and will be a key player for us offensively this year,” Blackwell said.”

Captains Emma Dagres and Julia Meehan are also back. Dagres, a DCL All-Star forward, was Weston’s main offensive standout last year, and will also help in a team managing role this fall. Meehan figures to contribute highly, too.

“Julia is going to be big for us this year,” Blackwell said. “She is a fantastic leader and a great person. She is very mature, honest, and will never be outworked on the field. I am glad to have her still in the program.”

Blackwell said Weston will be naming two more captains, and that “the challenge has been laid down to the returning juniors and seniors to step up and be leaders.”

Among Weston’s other veteran talent, Amanda Ivery “will make a good impact in midfield,” Blackwell said. “She is a tremendously hard worker, good on the ball and can pick a pass well."

The coach also lauded Jackie Foody, who is returning from studying abroad last year.

“She can play almost anywhere,” the coach said. “She is very aggressive, strong, fast, and will put a lot of pressure on the other team."

Ilaria Santangelo, meanwhile will help lead Weston’s younger skilled players. Blackwell said Santangelo "stepped up halfway through [last] year as a freshman and made a good impact. I am hoping she can contribute this year and score some goals for us.”

The coach said he is also very encouraged by the incoming freshmen.

“We have some very good players coming into the program,” Blackwell said. “I am hoping and will push them to step up and make an immediate impact on the varsity team and the high school program.”

He added, “I also want to ensure that we invest in the Weston town program and help them where we can.”