Back Row l to r: Head Coach Michelle Gioiosa, Courtney Cabral, Taylor Oliveira, Julie Wheaton, Bridget Markey, Mira Herlihy, Shelby Wheaton, Kendall Atkinson, Alexandra Cojocaru, Amanda Zatir, Asst. Coach Lee Cojocaru

Front Row l to r: Tenley Dakin, Sophie Caldwell, Olivia Santos, Sophia Gioiosa, Avery MacGregor, Lauren Senra

Lancaster, Mass. (Sunday, June 24th, 2018) - The Dartmouth FC Grade 7 Girls played in the tournament final at the
Massachusetts Tournament of Champions (MTOC) and won the State Championship in dramatic fashion by
way of penalty kicks after a 0-0 score through regular and extra time. Dartmouth’s goalie and final’s MVP,
Shelby Wheaton, was able to make a key save that gave Dartmouth the goal advantage and the ultimate victory.

The road to the State Championship first passed through the South Coast Soccer League (SCSL) playoffs where
the girls beat Falmouth and Mariner to win the SCSL Championship and the opportunity to represent the league
at MTOC. It’s the third year in a row the team has been SCSL Champions.

When asked what are the keys to the team’s success Head Coach Michelle Gioiosa says, “Our team is anchored
with a strong defensive backline and possession style of play with good passing. We’ve had a few injuries that
impacted our game, prior to and including this weekend. However, we are fortunate that this group of players is
versatile. They never hesitated about going into any position. They did the job asked of them with smiles on
their faces. We saw ourselves as puzzle pieces, reconfiguring to make it work.  We were honest about our
strengths and weaknesses and the girls stepped up and played to their strengths. They were constantly
supporting each other on and off the field showing the true definition of a team.”

Assistant Coach Lee Cojocaru added, “Like any team that gets to play this late in the season we faced our share
of injuries and challenges. However, we are lucky to have a core group of talented players, who were developed
throughout the years by coach Missy. Moreover, our team does well because Missy knows how to inspire the
girls to play to their full potential and find in them resources they didn’t know they possessed. I would like to
send a special shout out to our keeper, Shelby Wheaton who was the MVP in the two final games.”

Players and coaches would like to thank their team manager, Beth Caldwell, as well as parents and fans for all
of their support and dedication throughout the season. 

MTOC Scoring Recap:

Game 1 against North Reading: Sophia Gioiosa and Shelby Wheaton 
Game 2 against Holy Cross: Sophie Caldwell on penalty kick, Sophia Gioiosa, and an own goal
Game 3 against Clinton: Julie and Shelby Wheaton

Semi-final vs. Andover: 0-0 through regular and extra time. Penalty kicks scored by Sophia Gioiosa, Julie
Wheaton, Alex Cojocaru, and Bridget Markey. Shelby Wheaton saved two opponent attempts.

Final vs. Melrose: Played 0-0 into penalty kicks. Goals in order: Sophia Gioiosa, Julie Wheaton, Bridget
Markey and Tenley Dakin. Goalie Shelby Wheaton made the key stop to win the championship.