HARTFORD – Devon Bushka had been there and done that.
For Isabella Lombardo and Kaitlyn Alagno, it was the first time.
All Holy Cross girls soccer players were seeking a state championship during Saturday’s Class S final against Northwest Catholic at Dillon Stadium. The No. 2 Crusaders got what they wanted – albeit not without some late drama – the state championship plaque after a 3-2 victory over the No. 24 Lions. For the Holy Cross program, it’s the second straight Class S title. The Crusaders move up to Class M in 2022.
“It was 3-2. If they scored one, we would have to have gone into double overtime, and who knows what would have happened then,” Bushka said about the game’s frantic final minutes. “We just needed to play our game and stay together.”
Bushka played her game, which always seems to have a clutch factor to it when everything is on the line. She was named the most outstanding player of the game after tallying assists on goals scored by Lombardo and Jenna Tracey.
Alagno, just a sophomore, was thrilled to be on the winning side.
“I’m feeling so much, I’m so excited,” Alagno said. “I’m so proud of our team.”
Lombardo, a freshman, struck first on a free kick from Bushka 15 minutes into the first half. Lombardo lofted a left-footed shot over Northwest Catholic keeper Charlotte Polking into the left side of the goal.
“It was awesome. I was so happy she was there to finish it off,” Bushka said. “We really needed it.”
Getting an early lead was important for Holy Cross when playing a Northwest Catholic team that was better than its 6-8-2 regular season record would indicate.
“It really was (misleading), but we couldn’t really let that get to us. We had to keep it in the backs of our minds that they were going to be a really good team and come out strong,” Bushka said. “The skill level of most of the players is really good and they were a really aggressive team, so that really got them far.”
Crusader sophomore keeper Rachel Healey (14 saves) made sure her team kept its lead through the first half and into halftime. In the second half, Alagno put a corner kick into the Lion box. Bushka rocked a left-footed shot that caught the crossbar and bounced back into play. Tracey, a junior, was in the right spot at the right time and headed the ball home for a 2-0 lead with 24:49 left in the game.
Alagno quickly made it 3-0 when her corner kick found the net. With under 23 minutes left in the second half, Holy Cross had a 3-0 lead.
“I genuinely didn’t think we would score that many,” Bushka said. “I thought it would be a one or two scoring game, but it was really incredible that we scored that many.”
Northwest Catholic didn’t go away easily, scoring twice in just over two minutes of play. The Crusaders were forced to hang on for nearly 10 minutes to win their second straight championship.
“It was a lot of pressure to hang on at the end, but we just had to be calm and play our game,” Alagno said.
That’s a heck of a statement coming from a sophomore, but she will likely become one of the leaders of the team in the future.
“We got a big lead, and we were able to hold it down and take No. 2. I will say that No. 2 is just as sweet as No. 1,” said coach Phil Mongelluzzo Jr. “Winning doesn’t get old, and for me, it’s about the girls. We got a couple freshmen who are now experiencing a state title, and we expect them to lead us next year.”
Mongelluzzo commended his “co-coach,” assistant Kyle Piatek, for the work that he did all season, along with the girls. Mongelluzzo also credited Northwest Catholic, which was one of the best teams he has gone up against in his six years as head coach.
When Bushka was named most outstanding player, she got a big hug from fellow senior Ella Atkins. If there was a ball near the back of the Holy Cross formation, there was a good chance that Bushka or Atkins would be very close by.
“We’ve been close throughout the years. It’s really nice to have someone close to you on the soccer field,” said Bushka about Atkins.
Bushka goes out with two state championships, as do fellow seniors Alexa Diorio, Isabella Marzano, Maeve Perrone, Atkins and Avery O’Connell.
“To win it two times, it’s amazing. Honestly, we’re so privileged to have such a good team and to be able to get this win,” Bushka said.
For the second time in three years, the hard work paid off in a championship for the Crusaders.
“That team of girls, they’re like my family and it’s such a big deal to have gotten back here,” Alagno said. “I can’t believe we did it.”
Photo captions (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)
Top: Holy Cross girls soccer poses with the championship plaque after winning their second straight state championship on Saturday at Dillon Stadium in Hartford.
Middle: Senior Devon Bushka was named the most outstanding player of the game.
Bottom: The Crusaders huddle during an injury timeout late in the second half.
