UNDER 9 SEASON

November 2002: PAGS League Under 9 Division One - Champions
Employing the Dutch double diamond system popularized by the U.S. Women's National 8 v. 8 team, the LMSC Lightning ran over and past their competition in route to an undefeated season (6-0-4) in U-9 PAGS Division 1. In a controversial off-season move, the Lightning traded high scoring forward Mandy Clemens for Marni Blumenthal. With her superior speed and quickness, Blumenthal had been coveted by the Lightning since she was 5. The trade opened the way for the emergence of a quartet of fleet footed forwards: the high scoring lefty Julie Reiff, the athletic Rikki Voluck, the fearless Jessica Schwab and the quick strike ability of Emely Levyn. The solid and consistent play of Claudia Rizzo and the speed and versatility of Sara Hyman combined with Blumenthal to create a formidable defense. The midfield was led by the aggressive Ally McLaughlin, the amazing work rate of Elizabeth Neylan, the passing ability of Leslie MacManus, the end to end energy of Brooke Olsen and the technical wizardry of Rachel Newman

August 2002: Counil Rock Tournament - Champions
Fueled by Deb's superb homemade chocolate chip cookies and an intense game of bingo, the LMSC Lightning (U-9A Girls) won the Council Rock Beattie/Wirtz Memorial Tournament on August 17 and 18, 2002. Playing in extremely hot and humid conditions, the Lightning steamrolled their competition winning all four games in a five team round robin competition and outscoring their opponents 16-1.

At daybreak on Saturday, the Lightning left any residual tiredness at the Jersey shore as they easily beat the Council Rock Raze 6-0. With only an hour to rest, the Lightning came back strong against the Buckingham Stars with a 4-1 triumph. Despite leaving Margate at 5 a.m. to make it to the game on time, Emely "Sunshine" Levyn was the star offensive force scoring several times.

Playing in the heat of the day on Sunday, the Lightning blew past the Warrington Kicks 5-0. With a two hour break in between games, the Lightning took refuge in the air conditioned home of Deb, a close friend of one of the Lightning coaches. The team enjoyed homemade chocolate chip cookies, cold drinks and a break from the sweltering heat. The team also played an intense game of full card bingo which was won by Allison McLaughlin - a harbinger of things to come.

At 4 p.m. the LMSC Lightning took the field against the Council Rock Lightning. The Council Rock Lightning were also sporting a 3-0 record and had only allowed one goal while scoring 15. The game was extremely close and well played. The lone goal of the game was scored by the LMSC Lightning when Julie Reiff made a burst up the left sideline. As Julie was driving towards the goal she made a perfect cross to Allison McLaughlin who finished with a well placed rocket past the goalie. As it had been all tournament long, the key to the LMSC victory was the defense. Led by the incredible footspeed of Marni Blumenthal and the tenaciousness of Claudia Rizzo, the Lightning repeatedly turned back Council Rock's scoring attempts. Strong offensive efforts were turned in by Reiff, Levyn, Sara Hyman and Leslie McManus. The midfield demonstrated great stamina, spacing and passing and were led by Elizabeth Neylan, McLaughlin, Brooke Olsen, Rikki Voluck and Rachel Newman.

The team played the tournament without the goaltending services of Jessica Schwab. Several players stepped up to play goalie including Emely, Sara, Rachel, Marni, Allison and Julie. The superb goaltending of Emely and Sara in the final game against Council Rock preserved the shut out and the well deserved tournament victory.

The girls have worked very hard and diligently over the summer and they should be extremely proud of their efforts. The first place trophy represents many hot and long summer nights practicing their skills.


August 2002: West Chester Tournament - Finalists
Playing with a determination and effort usually reserved for more experienced teams, the U-9 LMSC Lightning walked away with runner-up trophies at their first ever tournament in West Chester on August 3 and 4, 2002. Braving scorching heat, the LMSC Lightning refused to wilt and quickly demonstrated their speed and quick strike capabilities.

Trailing 3-1 in their first game with less than 10 minutes to play, the Lightning scored three late goals to edge a tiring Spirited United squad 4-3. Leslie MacManus scored the very first goal in team history and later scored again. An inadvertent mistake by the ref forced Rachel Newman to convert two penalty kicks for one other goal, and Julie Reiff, battling a 102 degree fever and 95 degree heat, banged home the game winner in the closing minutes.

Ties with Nether on Saturday and West Chester on Sunday moved an undefeated and indefatigable Lightning team into the finals against West Chester on Sunday afternoon. With time running down, a revitalized Reiff rocketed a lazer off the cross bar coming within inches of breaking the 1-1 thriller. Jessica Schwab then made a brilliant save to halt the West Chester counter attack and a missed penalty kick by West Chester in the closing seconds sent this nail-biter into overtime. Two scoreless 5 minute overtimes produced a shoot out for the ages. By now the sidelines were crammed with spectators watching this tremendous game. Trailing 2-0 after three kicks, things seemed rather bleak for the Lightning. Refusing to bend to the pressure and heat, clutch shots by Elizabeth Neylan and Sara Hyman found paydirt and once again Jessica Schwab came to the rescue preserving the 2-2 tie and sending the shoot out to the 6th player. Claudia Rizzo, who played tremendously through out the tournament, calmly rocketed one into the back of the net, temporarily giving the Lightning the lead. A goal by West Chester again tied the score after six kicks. The Lightning missed on their next two shots and it was only on their eighth shot that West Chester was able to end this thrilling game.

It was a tough finish but through out the two day tournament, the Lightning demonstrated great heart, stamina, courage and sportsmanship. In addition to the players mentioned above, Marni Blumenthal, Allison McLaughlin and Rikki Voluck all played tremendously and contributed mightily to the success of the team. Special mention goes to Nikki and Will for their work with the team over the summer.