Six members of the Mount Mercy Soccer team and one volleyball player received post-season honors. Volleyball had a second team All-Catholic selection and soccer had three second team All-Catholic selections and three first team All-Catholic picks, including the Player of the Year.
Earning Second Team All-Catholic status from the All-Catholic Playoff co-champions were three juniors from Buffalo, Jenna Brown, Brenna Berhalter and Abigail Mailloux. Brown, who manned the center defense position for the Magic, had an assist this season. According to Coach Maddie Higgins, Brown’s ability to read the play and distribute the ball instantly when she gained possession led to her recognition.
Berhalter, an outside defensive player, has the ability to have patience and wait for the opposition to make the first move so she can react and stop their advancement. Mailloux used her speed to lead the team in goals scored from her striker position. She scored eight goals and added two assists. According to Higgins, Mailloux’s speed and game knowledge led to her making scoring runs from the midfield.
First team All-Catholics for soccer were Emma Connors (Buffalo), Mya Wood (Blasdell) and Rosie Bandura (West Seneca). Connors, a junior, was cited by Higgins for using her speed to shut down any offensive player who came her way. She helped prevent scoring opportunities for the opposition by utilizing her speed to drive them away from Mount Mercy’s goal.
Wood, a senior, had four assists this season and played center midfield. She has the ability to control the ball and win all 50/50 balls, helping to push the ball onto the opponent’s side of the field.
Bandura, just a sophomore, was voted the Player of the Year for the B Division. She tallied six goals and added two assists this year. Higgins credits Bandura for her soccer knowledge and her instincts. “Rosie knows her next move before she even receives the ball,” Higgins remarked. “She keeps the ball attached to her foot with her precise touches which helps us keep possession of the ball.”
Higgins was quite proud of her team’s accomplishments this season and especially of the All-Catholic picks. “Besides their soccer abilities, each of these young women has shown great unity and leadership on the team,” Higgins commented. “They are great role models and representatives of our school.”
Senior Grace Spero of Buffalo earned Second Team All-Catholic Honors from the Mount Mercy Volleyball team. Spero, was one of the team’s setters and a middle hitter. “She is a leader on and off the court,” Coach Rachel Kaufman said. “Her athleticism, high energy and spirit made her a great asset to the team.”
