Brookhaven Women’s soccer team won third place in the Nationals competition after dominating Suffolk Sharks with a final score of 4-1. The Lady Bears had an astonishing 13-3-3 win-tie-lose during the 2024-25 season.
The team departed to New York on Nov. 10 to defend their title as the National Champions at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY. The Lady Bears started strong, devouring the Ocean County’s Vikings. Team captain, Gianna Antovoni, scored the first goal at 43:20 right before the end of the first period. Another goal was scored by Gracie Murillo on the start of second quarter. Brookhaven bagged the win with a final score of 3-1. The game lasted for almost two hours and the Lady Bears had a total of 24 shots, 2 saves and 12 corner kicks.
The team advanced to the next game against Mohawk Valley Community College on Nov 15 but lost with a final score of 1-3. Brookhaven had a total of 18 attempt shots, six corner kicks and one goal from midfielder player Maradith Baker.
The Lady Bear’s last game was on Nov. 17 against Sufflock County’s Sharks. Brookhaven’s middle forward Kate Carlson scored first at the eighth minute and another at the 24th minute by middle forward Elyana Martinez assisted by Baker. During the second half, Defender Alex Goncalves scored a point with the assistance of Natalia Banda. At the 71st mark, Brookhaven scored another from forward Taylor Fleming assisted by forward Amanda Rocha. The Sharks’ Yamileth Fuentes scored right after, but they were unable to make a comeback. The game concluded with a total of 20 attempt shots, two saves, and eight corner kicks from Brookhaven and 9 shots, four saves, and four corner kicks by the Sharks. This secured third place for the Lady bears in the National competition.
The Lady Bears acquired astonishing awards at the Dallas Athletic Conference. Capt. Antovoni won the Dallas Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player. Goalkeeper Brianna Flores was awarded as the Goalkeeper of the Year. Amaiah Brown, along with other Dallas College athletes, garnered the Co-defensive player of the year. Their coach, Alex Denning, was proclaimed as the DAC coach of the year.
The office of the president organized a send-off party to support and encourage the athletes. Danielle Johnson, ‘Coach D,’ athletic director, hosted the event in Building H Room H125 where breakfast tacos, fruits, drinks and snacks were served to all staff and students who came to congratulate and send their regards to the team. Coach D claimed “We [are] about to go on a mission.”
Coach Denning sent his gratitude to everyone for supporting the lady bears. Robert Williams, women’s soccer coach, also extended his regards to everyone during his speech. He said “this fun time [during the] last two weeks of practice have been enjoyable because we know we’re going to face different teams… it’s been a tremendous journey to get to this point.”
Antovoni was called to deliver a speech. “We appreciate your support for being there for us all season and going to our games.” She mentioned the team’s excitement heading to New York with the goal of taking home the victory once again.
Some of their impressive games include the battle with Mountain View during finals where they tore their opponent down with a final score of 10-0. They won the Nationals for four years in a row and the team was earnest to defend their title.
Staff writer, Keannah Perez, and photo editor, James Baptist, interviewed some team members and the coaches during the sendoff event on Nov. 9. They asked about their feelings and their preparation for the Nationals.
Baker said, “We can’t be too excited or get out hopes up… we’ve been working hard since the beginning of July, practicing every day.” She shared the struggle they faced during the beginning where they had a lot of sophomores who left last year and that their team had a lot of new athletes as well as a new coach.
Antovoni said “I’m really proud of the team, I think we have come a long way from where we started.” She mentioned their long weeks of practice and how they paid attention to the small details to ensure that the team could face all their opponents to the best of their ability.
Coach Denning shared his excitement for the competition and the enjoyment of working with the Women’s soccer team. When he was asked how the team prepared for the nationals he said “We just really focused on ourselves, getting better and being the best that we could be.” He encouraged to follow the team’s social media and watch the livestream to support the Lady Bears. He added, “Hopefully we can bring home [a win] to everybody.”
The third-place trophy is now in Brookhaven campus and is currently on display in the trophy showcase in front of the basketball court in the T building.
