Ragdolls catch
PCL title

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The Archbishop Ryan girls’ soccer team has walked away with a lot this season.
They walked away with their fourth consecutive Northern Division title in regular season play. They walked away with a Catholic League championship win. And they walked away with a new star goalie who played a key roll is the Ragdolls’ ability to go all the way.
Sophomore Jessica Kosi was new to the Ragdolls’ roster this year, but it didn’t take long for the All-Catholic player to make a name for herself.
"She never misses practice. She never missed a game," said coach Ryan Haney. "She treats practice like it is a game. Every game she wants to get better. She came here to play. She’s very dedicated in whatever sport she’s playing. She loves the game and she loves to compete."
Kosi had five saves during the Ragdolls’ 3-0 victory over Archbishop Wood in the finals on Nov. 1. She was joined in the spotlight by midfielders Lauren Heisse and Christina Zambito and forward Kelsey Stevens, each with a goal in last week’s championship victory.
"I was really nervous coming out today," Kosi said after the win. "I had butterflies in my stomach, but once we scored the first goal, I knew we were going to be OK. I had a feeling we were going to win."
Heisse scored the first goal within the second minute of the game. The next 38 minutes of play were filled with solid defense by both squads. However, late in the second half Stevens scored, followed by Zambito’s goal five minutes later.
"I think we proved that we’re the best team in the league," said a grinning Haney after the game. "We came out tonight ready to play. I think we weathered their storm. They were pressuring us and we were able to get the two late goals.
"Getting that goal right off the bat was huge," he continued. "We had an early goal, and a 1-0 cushion really makes you a little more confident. I’m so proud of them."
Throughout the season, the Ragdolls have outscored their teammates 87-10 with 14 shutouts — finishing undefeated against Northern and Southern Division opponents.
The squad has always maintained a solid reputation for their skills on the pitch, however the team was unable to capture a Catholic League title since 2001.
Two years ago, the Ragdolls ended their season in the semifinals with a 3-1 loss to eventual champs Cardinal O’Hara. Last year, Ryan got one step further, battling Little Flower in the championship game, but lost in an overtime shootout, 3-1.
But this year, it was finally the Ragdolls’ time to shine.
"We all wanted to get back here," said Haney. "Last year when we lost, I made the girls stay on the field and watch Little Flower sing and dance and party like we are tonight. I said to them, ‘Take a look at that. Remember this feeling.’
"No one wants to feel like that, so they didn’t let it happen again," he continued. "And I said that to the returning players tonight. The whole team worked hard and ran hard, and they deserved this win."
Kosi wasn’t there to witness the Ragdolls’ run last time around. Although the soccer fanatic has been a regular on the pitch since she was 8 years old — playing with the Philly Soccer Club and Lighthouse CYO squads — she decided to watch from the sidelines as a freshman.
"Last year I decided not to play," said Kosi. "I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do yet, so I decided to wait a year. It was kind of a last-minute decision to play this year, and I’m really excited that I’m here."
The versatile athlete also spends a lot of her time showing off skills on the basketball courts. But after years of juggling both, Kosi decided it was time for a break.
"It got to be overwhelming with soccer and basketball," she said. "I felt like I was constantly playing sports and I wasn’t enjoying the game as much. So I decided to take a break and I think it all worked out great. I’m so happy to be back now."
Kosi stepped off of the soccer field for about two years, before being reunited with the pitch this season. And from the looks of Ryan’s 17-2-2 record this year, the time off was very beneficial.
"She comes out as a sophomore, hasn’t played goal since seventh grade CYO soccer and she’s done a marvelous job all year," said Haney. "She’s a great competitor. She’s a natural athlete. She played like a giant tonight and came up huge. I give her all the credit in the world."
Now that soccer season is finished, Kosi plans to take her skills to the Ragdolls’ basketball courts and hopefully come out with another title win.
"This year is going to be tough with soccer and basketball but I know I’m up for it," she said. "Ryan has always had great athletic teams and I’m proud to be a part of it." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com