toplaxrecruits.com
toplaxrecruits.com -
By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 6/20/15
Longmeadow (MA) 2016 midfielder Olivia Shapiro has been named the TopLaxRecruits.com Girls’ Player of the Week after scoring the winning goal in the Lancers’ 10-9 double overtime win Thursday over Westwood in the Division I state final at Harvard.
Olivia Shapiro (just to right of player holding tophy) and her Longmeadow teammates celebrate the Massachusetts Division I championship
Shapiro had two goals and four assists and won the game on a free position shot with only seconds left in he sudden death frame. In all, the UConn commit had 83 goals and 54 assists for the 22-3 Lancers, who avenged a 13-5 loss to the previously-undefeated and defending champion Wolverines (24-1) and snapped their 48-game win streak.
What are your thoughts on winning the state title in such dramatic fashion?
Shapiro: “I am very excited and proud of our team. The game was intense but that’s the fun part. Coach (Steve) Dudeck always challenges us and we like competitive games. He always tells us to “run towards the roar” and never back down.”
What was your strategy when you got the free position in sudden death overtime?
Shapiro: “When I got the free position, I wasn’t going to stop. Coach gave me the green light and nothing was going to get in the way. When the ball hit the back of the net I was thrilled. We all worked so hard the whole game and whole season, we wanted the title and we all deserved it.”
How did you deal with being the underdog against Westwood, which was undefeated and nationally ranked?
Shapiro: “We had nothing to lose, we were the underdog. We all gave 110% and did not stop. Our defense was key and Hannah Valencia (our goalie) played outstanding.”
Your team won the final three games of the year by one goal. How did you stay focused through adverse times?
Shapiro: “The last three games were all so close, but again our team is so competitive and everyone works so hard every day that we couldn’t lose. During the game we just play. The pressure didn’t really get to us, we stayed composed and the played the game that we all love to play.”
Why has your team been so successful this year and in past years?
Shapiro: “Our team’s attitude. We graduated so many amazing players last year, but everyone stepped up big. Everyone hustled and gave it their all. Our attitude was so positive and we all support everyone. I couldn’t ask for better teammates or a better team to win this with. It was a great season.”
The post TopLaxRecruits Girls’ Player of the Week: Longmeadow (MA) 2016 MF Shapiro leads team to D1 state title appeared first on toplaxrecruits.com.