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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – The unusual lighting wasn't too bright for Rangers girls soccer Monday night, as they put a sound beating on Fitchburg, 8-0, to win the opener of Westborough's Week of Lights and the Mid-Wach B crown in the process.
"It's really exciting and fun, we tried to let some kids who haven't scored yet score," said senior captain Julia Heffernan, who will play soccer for Merrimack University in the fall.
The Rangers (11-3-2) also celebrated their senior night before the game.
"Obviously it's kind of sad, but it's how I'd want to end it," she said. "We won the league and it's just really exciting."
The win came in front of the Rangers' largest home crowd of the season, with many fellow athletes and family on hand for the first day of the week-long event. Athletic director Johanna DiCarlo said the turnout was about the same as the first Week of Lights in 2010.
"The student section was great," she said. "Overall there was a lot of people here, some great excitement and great weather – you can't beat that."
The low-standing lights are brought in every two years to allow Westborough High School athletes the chance to play a night game at home. The $7,000 bill for the lights is covered entirely by community donations.
For the Rangers girls soccer team, the 2012 Mid-Wach B title is its first since 2007, and the second in school history. The only blemish on the team's 8-0-1 conference record came in a 3-3 tie to Shrewsbury that the Rangers led 3-0 at halftime. In the blowout win Monday, the Rangers' eight goals came from eight different players.
"Tonight was the night, for the seniors especially, to celebrate them, but to get eight goals was great," coach Paul Mumby said. "We're obviously flying high at the moment and our confidence is great."
The first half saw tallies from senior Desiree Parent, Kylie Brady, Olivia McGourty, Liz Hastings and Janet Khoury. In the second half Kara Berg, Alli Thibault and Mia Natale each had a score.
Heffernan didn't record a goal on her senior night, but did have two assists. She said she likes to help her teammates get on the offensive.
"I passed to one of my best friends tonight who had never scored before and it felt like I scored," Heffernan said. "I feel like that's almost better than me scoring."
The Week of Lights will continue with a Rangers boys soccer game against Fitchburg tomorrow and a field hockey game, also against Fitchburg, Wednesday.
Thursday won't feature any outdoor games, but the finale will pit Westborough against Wachusett on Friday night. DiCarlo said she expects the stands to be filled for the finale.
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