On Friday, October 2^nd  under the lights of Sawyer Field, the Girls Varsity Soccer team took the pitch to face rival Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) defeating the Titans 3-0.

Williston’s first athletic game under the lights this fall season attracted a large fan section that was loud and energetic until the final whistle, despite a light rain throughout the game. Williston’s spirit club, the Wildcats Cats, marked the game a “blackout,” so students showed up the game clad in black clothing, along with green and blue face paint.

The game started off fast with immediate pressure from the WMA girls which was handled by the Williston team with great determination. After a few attempts at scoring by different Wildcats, it was co-captain Caroline Wysocki ’16 who was able to finally put the ball in the back of the net, giving the girls a 1-0 lead over WMA early in the first half.

Not long after, Rylee Leonard ’16 scored her first goal of the season and Williston’s second of the game, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 lead at halftime.

The second half began with both teams coming out even stronger. Williston remained composed and in control of play. Well into the second half, Jasmine Movassaghi ’16 scored Williston’s third and final goal of the night.

This win gave the Wildcats their first win of the year to give them a record of 1-1-1 on the season.

After the game, Head Coach Ms. Jennifer Fulcher said, “The game on Friday night was so exciting.  I was so proud of how the team came out to play. Everyone competed the entire night. I am particularly proud of the seniors who came out in their first home game ready to play and lead.”

The community was very excited and showed great support throughout the entire evening.

Makenna Hambley ’17, leader of the Wildest Cats spirit club, comments on the support from the Williston community. She says, “The Wildest Cats were very successful during the game. Everyone had so much energy and school spirit. The atmosphere in the stands was crazy, exciting, loud, and lively. Everyone was intently watching the game and I’m not sure I saw one person without face paint. The level of school spirit and pride was astounding.”

She continues, “We knew it would rain, which was mainly why we chose a blackout theme.”

Williston Athletic Director Mr. Mark Conroy comments on why he thinks night games bring so much excitement. “It provides those rare opportunities to play in front of our community. The players really look forward to it and the community loves to come out on a beautiful fall evening to support their friends and school mates.”

Mr. Conroy, comments on the atmosphere of the stands, as well. He notes, “I thought the support was awesome! The team also inspired the crowd giving us lots to cheer for!”

Even with her attention focused on her team and the game, Coach Fulcher says she, too, noticed the great school spirit on display that evening. She says, “The community support was also fantastic.  The cold did not keep fellow Wildcats from coming out and supporting the team. Their spirit was such a lift to the team! We can’t thank everyone enough for coming out.  It was a good night to be a Wildcat!”

On October 10th at 7 p.m., Williston will host its next game under the lights when Varsity Football will take on Gunnery on Sawyer Field.