Jael Guy scored two goals, as the James I. O’Neill Raiders posted a 3-1 win over the John S. Burke Catholic Eagles on Thursday in Highland Falls.

Maddie Zdeb added a goal for the Raiders.

Shiloh Dabkowski made an assist and C.J. Conkey added seven goals.

“We’re gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year,” O’Neill coach Kristin Leska said.

“With a strong core of returning players and some promising new talent, we’re focused on building team chemistry and elevating our game to the next level.”

The Raiders lost two key starters, Daisy West and midfielder Katlyn Zdeb from a team that went 15-5 overall, and 6-0 in their division last year on their way to winning the Section 9 Class B championship.
They’ve also lost defender Ama Roman and Arianna Tiaguaro from last year’s team.

Returning are seniors Jillian August, Rose Bentley, Victoria Evangelista, and Guy; juniors Alyssa Bluman, Conkey, Dabkowski, and Madelyn August; sophomores Emeree Deekens, Kaelyn Mitroka, Beth Reeves and Maddie Zdeb; and freshman Kiersten Barge.

Newcomers include senior Kim Alvarracin, juniors Olivia Moran, Saedi Post and Rosalyn Weber.

The Raiders are committed in the early part of the season to enhancing their skills and strengthening their approach.

“We’re committed to fostering a resilient and cohesive team that can adapt to any challenge on the field,” Leska said. “This season, we aim not only to compete, but excel, showcasing my athletes’ hard work and dedication.”

Boys
The boys’ team saw their season end in the Section 9 Class B semifinals and have taken heavy losses from a team that posted an 8-8-2 record last year.

They have lost eight multi-year starters in Max Jaffet, Scotty Barr, Peter Pitaleff, Jay Waite, Luke Haley, Jorge Yeye, Jackson Smith, Rio Vanzetta, Eric Sanabria, and Vinny LoCicero.

However, due to a series of injuries the Raiders suffered last year, a lot of the underclassmen got valuable time on the field last season. Returning players include Johnny Nauta, Jacques Farlow, Ben Yankovich, Bryce Kenny, Jeric Yeye, Erick Guzhnay, and Jonathan Garcia. Asher Dabkowski, Robert Thompson, David Osgood, Brandom Duchi, and Joe Padula are new to the team.

“They’re ready to go this year,” O’Neill coach Ken Hall said. “We look to integrate a lot of youth into the program and look to compete for a sectional title in October.”