The Highland girls soccer team struck first against Onteora on Sept. 24 but couldn’t hold on, falling 3-1 as injuries and a short roster continued to hinder the Huskies.

Highland (6-4) entered the matchup looking to snap a skid, and the early signs were promising. The Huskies took a 1-0 lead in the opening minutes, but Onteora’s attack, led by forward Lucia McDonagh, proved too much. McDonagh netted multiple goals, including one off a cross from Alexa Hull, as the Eagles surged ahead.
Highland goalkeeper Bella Giangrasso faced pressure throughout the match as Onteora generated scoring chances from multiple players. Meanwhile, the Huskies struggled to connect passes and finish opportunities in the final third.

“Everybody played hard,” Highland coach Becca Palmatier said. “Onteora has a good coach, and he knows how to play against us. I think everybody tried their hardest today, and they gave it their best effort, but sometimes that’s not enough.”

The match turned more physical as it wore on, with some in the crowd questioning consistency in officiating. The Huskies were dealt another setback when sophomore Lucy Rozzi was taken off the field with an injury in the first half — the team’s third significant injury in as many weeks.

Despite the adversity, Highland continued to press late, sparked by the midfield play of Jude Zefara, but Onteora’s defense held firm.

“We’re not at our full potential,” Palmatier said. “[The message] is to pick your head up, play as a team, and work together.”

Highland’s struggles continued in its following match against unbeaten Spackenkill on Sept. 26, where the Spartans (9-0) rolled to an 8-0 victory.

The losses marked Highland’s third straight, dropping its record to 6-4. The Huskies will try to rebound in their season finale Oct. 6 against Rhinebeck.