6th Grade Boys vs. Camp Wayne
The 6th graders hosted Camp Wayne July 30, a team that knocked Starlight out of the 2013 tournament in the first round on penalty kicks after extra time. The first ten minutes or so was back and forth although soon Starlight started to assert themselves and take the game to Wayne. Starlight created many long range chances, unfortunately the Wayne keeper was equal to the challenge. Starlight adapted and started to work the ball into wide positions, and from there they managed to get the opening they deserved.
Going in 1-0 up at half-time, Starlight started the second half strongly and Wayne was soon on the back foot. The goals soon started to flow, and save for a few forward runs from Wayne, the play was generally headed in just one direction towards the Wayne goal. Their keeper continued to make a number of fine saves, but Starlight were good value for the final scoreline of 5-0.
The back line of Jonah S., Ethan B. Michael G. and Harrison S. played extremely well, and Harrison S. in particular was very composed playing balls out of the back. The midfield area was controlled by Jack T., Ben W., Jake E., Justin H. and Alex E. Although starting in midfield, Jake B. moved into the forward position and combined well with Alex E. to create a couple of goals in the latter part of the game.
Starlight reclaimed the title that they won in 2012, and like the 7th graders the day before, did it in style and against a good Wayne team.
7th Grade Boys vs. Camp Wayne
The championship game took place on Alumni Field July 29th, and Starlight dismantled a Wayne team 9-0, that it had struggled to beat 2-1 in 2013.
The 7th graders have never lost a game and this record always looked likely to continue as Starlight dominated early possession. However, the first goal was a long time coming as Starlight failed to convert numerous chances that they created throughout the first half. An early penalty miss was followed by some poor finishing in Wayne’s 18-yard area. With five minutes remaining in the first half, a strong run from Cooper G. down the right side saw his cross converted by Jordan K. Starlight’s second came from a well-worked corner kick as Jason F. and Jaden G. played a one-two which saw Jaden G. then power in from the left and drive the ball in from 16 yards out.
Up 2-0 at the half, the second period saw Starlight really start to dominate play. Starlight’s passing was a joy to watch, and they now found their collective shooting cleats and really took the game to Wayne. What followed is likely one of the heaviest defeats ever inflicted upon a Wayne soccer team, with Starlight scoring for fun. Cooper G. was a constant threat down the right hand side, and a number of players came off of the bench and put in some fine performances. Lance L. Jordan G. and Justin M. all made very worthwhile contributions, with Lance L. finding the bottom corner of the goal from the edge of the 18-yard area late on.
Elijah E. had very little to do all game, while Jonny C., Abe W., Michael S. and Ryan W. at the back made light work of most of Wayne’s attacks. Jacob M. and Ethan W. were very busy in the center of midfield, and this was certainly one of the 7th graders best games in a Starlight shirt.
Champions again and very well deserved it was too!
9th Grade Girls vs. Camp Poyntelle
The girls were on the road for their semi-final game July 29. An early 3-1 lead was established before the girls ran away with it in the second half. Olivia R. played as an attacking central midfielder and was constantly running at Poyntelle’s back-line. Brooke H. and Dani S. tucked in just behind Olivia R. and made their presence felt, breaking down their opponents forays towards the Starlight half. Jennifer D. up top ran all day and constantly harassed Poyntelle’s defenders. At the back Madeline S. and Maya S. looked assured in their defending and this turned into a fairly routine game ahead of what will be a much tougher affair against Wayne in the championship game.
Final Score:10-2, W
Leslie Schwartz is the woman behind the awesome Arts and Crafts projects campers are creating. Originally from New Jersey, she is spending her 7th summer at Camp Starlight. Leslie attended George Washington and New York University where she earned her masters degree in early childhood education. She spends the winter being a mom and preparing for the next summer, finding different projects for campers to make. Fun projects include birdhouses in woodworking, pinch pots in ceramics and candle making in Arts and Crafts. During the interview with Camp Starlight Blog, a camper reminded Leslie of an ice cream sundae themed project she still has on her nightstand from three years ago. “I love it because it is sometimes hard knowing what projects the kids will like,” Leslie says. At Arts & Crafts in the Carriage House, there is a project for every camper to enjoy.
