The Jericho Jaspers Girls U-15 travel soccer team captured first place in their division by defeating the Bayside Flyers 5-0, Sunday Nov. 17 on a cold and windy afternoon at Jericho High School.

The Jaspers had to win their last three games to assure the first place finish, and with the team playing their best soccer of the season, they did so by winning with a combined score of 14 -2. The Jaspers' record for the season was 8-1.

Leading the team was center forward and top goal scorer, Lauren Klinghoffer who scored nine goals in the last three games. Forwards Rachel Klinghoffer and Alanna Herling also were key contributors to the offense, both in scoring and assists.

The Jaspers had strong midfield play all season from Alyssa Hochfelder, Kim Feigenbaum, Jackie Goodman, Alyssa Kaye and Fara Goodman. The midfielders assisted in many of the goals, and they constantly kept pressure on the opposing teams defenses.

One of the trademarks to the Jaspers' success was its outstanding defense. The goalkeeping trio of Cassidy Tichner, Carly Berg and Lauren Goldstein were terrific as they combined for three shutouts. Sweeper, Hayley Katz along with Dorie Sanders and Jennifer Krauser anchored the defense which allowed only eight goals all season. Stopper Tracy Sweetbaum not only assisted the defense, but her throw-ins ignited many of the Jaspers' scoring chances. Berg also contributed at the stopper position and Tichner was a big part of the defense that consistently rose to the occasion. In all of the close games the Jaspers played, the opposing teams offenses were shut out in the second half.

This was the Jaspers second time winning their division in the last three seasons and they look forward to defending their title in the spring. Congratulations to the girls on a well deserved championship season. Their success was truly a team effort.