Fall Teams Look to Grow on Success in 2013 Season

The smell of dew on fresh cut grass on a weeknight in the fall is as much a mental trigger as a bell for Pavlov’s dog, and the time for fall sports season is upon us. 

Mendham’s various Minutemen teams saw a range of success in 2012 and are looking to take the next steps in achieving greatness in 2013. Let’s take a look at some of those squads and what they’ll be facing when the season begins in the next couple of weeks.

The Minutemen of the gridiron are looking to improve on their two-win season in 2012, as they kick off the season Friday, Sept. 13 at home against Mt. Olive. The team notched wins late last season against Morristown and Plainfield, the latter of which was in the NJSIAA Playoffs consolation round.

The varsity team will host rival West Morris Central on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m., and look for more success against the Colonials at home on Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m.

Boasting a 20-5 overall record in 2012, the girls’ volleyball team is looking to spike the competition again this year after its season ended against Morristown on Nov. 5. The queens of the court will start the regular season in the Paramus Tournament on Sept. 7, and host their first home game against Montville on Sept. 16 at 4 p.m.

Despite an 8-13-2 record last year, the boys’ soccer team clawed its way to the NJSIAA North 2, Group 3 semifinal round before losing to Ramapo. The team look to capitalize on the late season success when it takes the pitch on the road against Newton on Sept. 3 at 4 p.m.

The team’s first home game is the following day at 4 p.m. against Plainfield.

Finally, the Mendham team with the best overall record from last year, will look to go deeper in the playoffs this season, as the girls’ soccer squad kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 3 on the road against Pingry at 4 p.m.

The team lost a heartbreaker, 2-0 to Roxbury in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 3 quarterfinals after amassing an 11-7-2 record.

Which team are you most excited to watch this season?