On March 23, the Townsend Harris Girls Varsity Flag Football Team had their first regular season game against the Academy of American Studies. They won with a final score of 32-18. With only one loss against Queens High School Complex, the team has since otherwise remained undefeated. The team spoke to The Classic about their hopes and aspirations for the season.
Freshman Ana Montan said, “[The season] will be tough, but I am positive our team has the ability to go far as we have already made so much progress since tryouts.” This sentiment was shared by sophomore Audrey Lin who said, “I hope the team makes it far. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish and how much we will improve.”
Many girls expressed the importance of the chemistry they share on and off the field. “A lot of us already knew each other from other sports so we are continuing to develop those relationships while starting new ones with the new faces on the team,” freshman Loise Arcega said. “I personally don’t know all the girls that well but I’m hoping by the end of the season, we get much closer. As our friendships start to grow, we’ll be able to trust each other more and that’ll really help our communication on the field.”
Junior Niharika Ojha said, “I think we get along very well and it goes into our playing performance. Everyone is always super open to improving.” Furthermore, Ana is hoping that, “[The team’s chemistry] will continue to flourish as the season moves forward.”
There are also three new freshmen who joined the team this year. Ana Montan said, “As a freshman, [connecting] with the other players at first worried me, but they welcomed me with open arms. We have built trust and friendship with each other as we have already spent so many hours practicing together.”
Freshman players also hope to not only be successful this season but prepare themselves for the future of the team. “I hope that we get far and improve our skills a whole lot more because most of us have never played flag football until this season. [The main players with experience are] some returning seniors but despite all that, we definitely have a decent team,” said Loise.
Regarding the rest of the season, the team looks ahead with enthusiasm and hopes to succeed throughout the spring. “I’ve experienced the field and the feeling that comes with it. That nervousness becomes excitement. I can’t wait to see how far our team goes and how we as players progress along the way,” said Ana.
“[I hope] the season is fun for everyone and we become closer as a team,” said Niharika.
Photos courtesy of Audrey Lin
