Freshman forward Lily Veracka scored four goals as the Westport girls’ soccer team shutout Atlantis Charter School 8-0 in a league home game at the high school on Tuesday afternoon. Eighth grader Sophia Babb scored 2 goals and Peyton Gendreau and Alexandra Neronha each scored as the Wildcats improved their overall record to 4-3.

Veracka scored three goals in the first half and scored an “olimpico goal” off a corner kick, in the second half, as the young Wildcats dominated play from the start. 

"Lily is our star goal scorer," said Neronha, the Wildcats senior captain. "She has scored most of our goals this season."

“"She’s a great teammate.” said Westport head coach Gary Muello of Veracka, “She unselfishly passes the ball to give her teammates scoring opportunities. She is also helping out defensively and she’s developing into a great team leader.”

Westport plastered 16 shots, offensively, on Atlantis seventh grade goalkeeper Karissa Santos and didn’t allow a shot, defensively, on Wildcats keeper Morgan Pacheco.

Veracka gave Westport a three goal halftime lead. The freshman blasted a kick into the goal from 12-yards out, for her first goal. Then went in alone on a through ball and patiently waited for Santos to make a move before kicking the ball by her for the second goal. Veracka tipped a pass by Santos into the net for the third goal before Coach Mueller took her out to give the Atlantis defense a break.

The scoring continued in the second half, highlighted by Veracka’s “olimpico goal” when a player curves the ball into the goal off a corner kick without any player touching it.

“She a very talented player,” Coach Mueller said. “She’s smiling and having fun.”

Neronha, the senior captain also scored in the second half. She has been playing on the team since seventh grade, normally playing on the defensive back line. This season she was needed at midfielder.

“We lost players from last year,” she said. We are a young team that’s developing. The girls work really well together and I think we have good team chemistry overall.”

They have an abundance young forwards to play with Veracka. Babb, who scored two goals in the second half, is skilled and has a good motor. Lily Cipollini is an up and coming eighth grader. Sophomore Brooke Crocker and Junior Kaelyn Butler are both physical players.

Junior Madison Pacheco is back between the pipes. Though she didn’t face a shot during Atlantis game, opponents have scored 14 goals on the goalkeeper in the Wildcats 7 games this season. Ten were scored in their two losses to Bishop Stang and Seekonk.

“Morgan is a great leader and player,” said Neronha. “She’s having a great season. She communicates well with the backline and is a big part of our team.”

Juniors Jackie Jusseaume and Audrey Xavier are the Wildcats center backs. The last line of defense before attackers head in on Pacheco and the goal. Neronha, Gendreau, and Julia Raposo play outside back.

“They are great players,” said Neronha. “They are also great at communication on the field.”

Neronha is looking forward to seeing how the team progresses in the second half of the season and playoffs.

“I think we have a good growing team, a great program and I just love being with the girls. It’s exciting.”