This Friday, just as the horizon begins to darken, providing leeway for the starry sky, the Oyster River girls soccer team will step onto the brightly illuminated field, ready to take on their long-time rival.
On September 12th, at 6:15 pm, the Bobcats will face off against Coe Brown Northwood Academy on their home turf, in their fourth game of the year. With two victories already under their belts, the girls are in good position to challenge their competition in what’s sure to be one of the most heated games of the regular season.
“I think if we play the way we’ve played the past two games, we have a good shot at winning,” says captain Sophie Elsemore (‘26). “The past couple of years we’ve lost to them and it’s been really disappointing, but I think we can have a good comeback.”
Daria Konashuk, a right-wing player on the varsity team (‘26) agrees saying, “We haven’t beaten them in a long time, but I think Friday’s going to be the night.”
Despite their strong opening games, the Bobcats have a few other advantages heading into their upcoming game. The team, comprised of 15 seniors, has a large number of strong returning players while Coe Brown graduated many of their standouts last year. Additionally, the closeness of the team allows them to work well together on the field. Greta Zent (‘26), another of the team’s captains, shares her goals to improve the synergy of the group. “We need to make sure we’re a team and are connected on and off the field,” she says.
The historic Oyster River/Coe Brown rivalry also attracts a sizable student section which provides added excitement and boosts morale for the team. Zent speaks to the importance of school spirit and support in high pressure games like these. “It’s just more fun to play with the student section, [because you’re] getting cheered on and know that you’re supported,” she says. Elsemore feels similarly saying, “We’re being hyped up and we’re being cheered for and that just makes everyone feel a lot better rather than just your coach yelling at you and telling you what to do or other players saying things.”
Not only does the rivalry bring in fans, but a scheduled boys game against the same team means the student section will be packed with blue. Left center back Katie Robinson (‘28) shares her hopes that Oyster River sports fans will extend their school spirit an extra hour to cheer on the girls as well. “I think it’s important for people to support all the sports at our school, not just the boys [teams],” she says.
So, grab your bluest outfit and show your Oyster River spirit on Friday at 6:15 pm!
“It’s going to be a good game,” says midfielder Aubrey Dejesus (‘26) We’re putting 110% out on the field and it’s going to be really intense.”
Visuals courtesy of Maddie Joy
– Jahrie Houle
Mouth of the River 
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