Herald Staff Report
(From the issue of 9/23/04)

The Bishop O'Connell Knights are the top-ranked girls high school soccer team in the country, according to a recent poll. The undefeated Knights also are ranked first in the Washington area.

This year's squad stormed past rival Paul VI High School Sept. 14 in Fairfax. Led by sophomore forward Liz Carroll, the Knights dominated the Panthers from the beginning of the contest. The final score was 7-0.

Carroll's two goals were setup by senior forward Mick Ingram. Senior sweeper Kerry Philbin, coming off a serious knee injury, started the scoring for O'Connell, which is looking to defend its WCAC title.

Despite the graduation of player of the year Natalie Arias (now playing for Maryland University), Coach Alberto Starace's squad looks strong in nearly every aspect of the game. The team is succeeding despite the temporary loss of senior forward L.B. Puglisi to injury. Puglisi recently was cleared to play by doctors.

Senior forward Cassidy Burton joins Philbin, Carroll and Ingram in providing a constant offensive assault on their opponents.

O'Connell defeated St. Mary's Ryken 13-0 and St. Mary's of Annapolis 1-0 earlier this week to remain undefeated. The Knights are scheduled to play McNamara on Sept. 24. A victory over the Mustangs would be the 300th career victory for Starace at O'Connell.