After a 4-13-1 season a year ago, Doherty High girls’ soccer entered this fall with something to prove, but perhaps more importantly, something to rebuild.
The Highlanders believe this year’s team has a different feel. Players point to stronger chemistry, experienced senior leadership and a more positive approach as reasons for optimism.
That new identity was tested immediately in the season opener, when Doherty fell behind Notre Dame Academy, 3-0, before rallying for a 4-3 victory Sept. 10.
For senior captain Gloria Jani, who was returning from a difficult injury, the night carried added meaning.
“Honestly, this was my first game coming back after a really tough injury, so it feels euphoric and amazing, and I can’t wait to score more,” Jani said.
Jani scored three goals in her return, including the game-winner in the final minute. Freshman forward Saeera Malikzai scored the tying goal with less than two minutes remaining.
For head coach Chad Binette, the way his team responded after falling behind mattered as much as the result.
“It was one of the most intense wins we ever had as a season opener,” Binette said. “It’s one for the books for sure, and one for the memory bank. This was an awesome game, and it was good to see them perform and do what I know they can do.”
The comeback offered an early example of something Doherty’s players believe is already different this season: the team’s chemistry.
Senior captain and defender Allie Soufleris said having fun and playing together has made a big difference in how the team approaches each game.
“I just think that we are all having fun, and we all get along well, and it makes such a difference when we are having fun together as a group and playing as one instead of separate players,” Soufleris said.
Binette has noticed a different energy from the group as well.
“The girls have energy and very positive vibes, and honestly, they are just a hardworking group,” Binette said. “They do exactly what they need to do when they need to do it. I couldn’t ask for a better team right now.”
Helping set that tone are Doherty’s four senior captains: Jani, Soufleris, Marieta Zacharia and Clara Lee.
Binette said their leadership has already become an important part of the team.
“All four of my captains: Marieta, Gloria, Clara, and Allie are great. I can rely on them; anything I ask of them gets done,” Binette said. “I don’t have to ask again or check twice; if I give them a job to do, it’s done, and I couldn’t ask for better leadership on this team. They are great girls to look up to.”
For Zacharia, part of turning the page from last season has come from the mindset the team has brought into this one.
“I think we have a much better mindset this year,” Zacharia said. “We’re here to have fun. We obviously want to win, but we know this is the sport we love, and if we’re having fun together, then that’s the most important part of it all.”
That optimism is not limited to Doherty’s experienced players. Younger players are already finding roles, including Malikzai, whose late equalizer in the opener helped keep the Highlanders alive.
Lee said she has seen that enthusiasm throughout the roster and believes it could make this season different from the last.
“With this team, I see that there are a lot of hard-working girls rising, and there are a lot of girls excited to play here, and I think we’re going to have a really good season ahead of us,” Lee said.
Mackenzie Tupja is an intern with The Worcester Guardian and a student at Assumption University.
