Saturday’s matchup against Kent School marked the Greenwich Academy soccer team’s final regular season home game, which meant it was time for Senior Day.

And GA certainly celebrated Senior Day in impressive fashion.

Fittingly, senior captains Lauren Harteveldt and Taylor Glanville each scored goals for Greenwich Academy in its 3-0 Senior Day win over Kent. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak and improved the Gators’ overall record to 8-6-2.

Greenwich Academy, which lost two one-goal games during the tough streak, is 7-1-1 in the FAA and will visit St. Luke’s on Friday in a game that will decide first place in the league and the No. 1-seed in the FAA Tournament. The victor will also be deemed the FAA regular season champion.

GA’s victory against Kent completed a challenging week in which the team played three games in four days.

“It was a tough game, a good game,” GA coach Alistair Lonsdale said. “It was very physical and I think the kids did really well. They came out strong and they were tired – that was their third game in four days, so they deserve a break and a rest.”

Following the game, GA paid tribute to its four seniors – Harteveldt, Glanville, Sophie Burraway and Ali Jaquiery.

“It’s sad, I can’t believe it’s here,” Harteveldt said of Senior Day and her senior experience on the squad. “The team has been great, I feel honored having a chance to get to know all these amazing girls and play with them. It’s very exciting, I’ve learned so much from everyone, they are so inspiring, so I feel very fortunate to be a part of this team.”

Lonsdale appreciates the dedication and leadership the seniors on team have displayed throughout the season.

“They are amazing, they are leaders and they try so hard for this team,” Lonsdale said. “They organize things so well and they have done an amazing job. I’m so proud of them and they have been a huge part of this program. Our seniors have trained the other kids’ mentality in the way to play and the effort side of things.”

Glanville, midfielder/defender, enjoyed her senior season and her role as one of the captains.

“I can’t believe I’m a senior,” Glanville said. “Being a senior captain has been amazing, I love every part of it. I love leading the team and having everyone come together. Everyone is so supportive.”

Jaquiery has especially cherished her final season on the GA soccer team, a season in which she has made her presence felt.

“I love being a senior, I feel it’s been my best year on the team, because of the responsibility of being a senior,” Jaquiery said. “It’s that extra pressure that really pushes us and our team has been super close this year.”

Burraway, whose sister Chloe, a 2020 GA graduate, also played on the school’s soccer team, appreciates the seasons she spent on the squad.

“It’s been so incredible to play on this team,” Burraway said. “Every girl on this team is such an amazing friend, player and supporter and this is something I look forward to every school year. It’s sad that the season is ending, but it has also given me so many great memories and I’ve learned so much from all the girls and their abilities and it’s been a great experience.”

In the win against Kent, Harteveldt gave Greenwich Academy a 1-0 lead, scoring off an assist from Glanville.

“It was a great through ball and I shot it across the goal and it went in,” Harteveldt said. “It was an exciting moment and a great way to start the game.”

With 24:01 remaining in the second half, the Gators extended their lead on the Lions. Harteveldt’s shot from the left side deflected off the Kent goalie’s hands and the ball found the foot of freshman Ruby Montanez, who finished in front for a goal, making it 2-0.

At the 22:10 mark of the second half, GA tallied off a set piece. Glanville scored on a header off a corner kick, putting Greenwich Academy on top, 3-0.

“It was a brilliant well-worked corner,” said Lonsdale, who also credited sophomore Lola Tirabassi’s play in the midfield for being exceptional and freshman Este Tejpaul’s strong play in goal.

Said Jaquiery: “It was really exciting, we needed a win and I’m really excited about FAAs coming up. We’re getting ready for FAAs and we’re going all in. The week off coming up is very needed, we’ve had a lot of games, but it’s nice having a normal season after COVID. I’ve never spent so much time on the field and it’s been great.”

“Everyone worked together, came together, scored and finished, which was good to see,” said Glanville.