By Eli Karp
Volume 68, Issue I

For two Briarcliff High School athletic teams, the 2017 fall season was one to remember.

Varsity boys soccer (VBS) had its best season in history, winning 12 regular season games, 15 overall, and making it to the Section 1 Final for the rst time in program history before losing to Rye Neck, 1-0, in overtime. After a 7-7-3 record in 2016, the team captured the two-seed in the Section 1 Tournament, had 10 shutouts, made its third consecutive Mt. Pleasant Cup Finals appearance and was ranked as high as ninth in New York State Class B by the New York State Sportswriters Association. VBS ended the season ranked 14th in the state.

Senior captain Alex Leahy, the league MVP and known as “the demi-god” to his teammates, said he views the season as a success even though the team didn’t win the section championship.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my team- mates and the season as a whole,” Leahy said in a text. “We made history and set a new standard for the program. It was a great experience, and overall I was happy with what we accomplished.”

Varsity girls volleyball (VGV), also made it to the Section 1 Final, falling

to 2016 State Champion and league rival Westlake in a tough four sets. Under new head coach Matt Cochen- our, the team dominated its way to an 18-3 regular season and 21-4 overall record. The team served an impressive 86% with over 325 aces. VGV also ac- crued over 600 kills and senior captain Kaleigh Gowan had over 300 digs. Gowan said she was very excited and proud of the effort displayed by the team this season.

“This has been one of the best seasons for Briarcliff Volleyball in a long time,” said the senior over text. “It’s been about 30 years since Briarcliff made a section nal, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the girls and our coach. All the girls should keep their heads high for all they’ve accomplished this seaon.”