Soccer goalie Lauren Scairato took a beating this season with Neumann-Goretti, and not just from the injuries that go with the position.
Her team’s record was bruising, too: 0-10-2 overall.
But word of an All-Catholic Honorable Mention is having a healing effect on the athlete.
"It’s something I’ve been waiting for for a really long time," Scairato said about her first All-Catholic nod.
It’s enough to make the 17-year-old forget about the feeling of getting pelted by 20 to 30 soccer balls a game, or that of an opponent’s kick to the rib cage as she made a diving save.
Scairato is getting recognition for work that easily could have been obscured by her team’s record and the 60 goals scored by the opposition.
Coach Jim McBride is glad that wasn’t the case for the fourth-year player.
"It would’ve been disappointing if she wasn’t recognized," said McBride, who just finished his first season with the team. "I thought she deserved it. She may have faced 30 shots a game and only gave up 60."
The honorable mention entitled Scairato, of 16th and Pollock streets, to play in Sunday’s All-Catholic all-star game at Cabrini College. Neumann-Goretti teammates Stephanie McAllister, a junior center-midfielder, and Sara Slate, a sophomore forward, also represented the Saints. Scairato played the entire game, helping the Southern Division pick up a 2-1 victory over the Northern Division. McBride, one of the Southern Division’s coaches, said Scairato stop-ped at least 10 shots, which included taking one off her face.
"I told her, don’t worry, you’ll still get a date for the prom," McBride said with a chuckle.
On a serious note, the coach said his star goalie "played exceptionally well," allowing her one goal off a corner kick.
After a tough season, Scairato relished the chance to have some fun on the field — and also pick up some pointers.
"When you’re playing in the all-star games, you want to learn stuff from the other girls," she said. "They are there for a reason."
As the Saints’ team captain this season, Scairato was expected to set the tone. She did so by refusing to back down against any opponent, even the tough ones like Archbishop Carroll and Cardinal O’Hara.
"By being the goalie, you’re taking on a big responsibility," said Scairato. "If I let up a goal, I would get upset for the team. I am probably harder on myself than anyone else. I just try to take one shot at a time."
The Saints are accustomed to being underdogs. Prior to this season, as the St. Maria Goretti Lambs, they won just three games in three years.
This season was especially trying, as all the school’s athletic teams are going through a transition after consolidating with St. John Neumann. This is particularly true for the girls’ soccer team, which had to adjust to a new coach with his own system. Previous coach Jim Gallagher used an offense-based approach, while McBride stresses defense.
McBride "was always pushing for me to do my best," Scairato said.
She worked hard to defend her team in the season’s two ties, both with West Catholic. Scairato said the scoreless tie with West Catholic was the highlight of her season.
"I was getting pelted with shots," she said, adding that the opposing goalie "wasn’t doing anything."
The honor student is looking forward to her next athletic role — power forward with the Neumann-Goretti basketball team.
Scairato was junior-varsity captain last season. Now she is busy getting in shape to help the varsity team improve on last year’s 15-9 overall record, making a dramatic turnaround from its 2003 winless Catholic League season.
A former all-star for St. Richard’s CYO team, Scairato believes the Saints can perform even better, and make it to the playoffs.
"I think we should have a good season," she said. "We’re working hard and going to the gym."
But soccer — the sport Scairato grew up playing at Guerin Recreation Center and with Southeast Youth Athletic Association — will always be number one.
The athlete hopes to continue playing at a Division III college. Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, the University of Jacksonville and the University of Tampa are high on Scairato’s list.
Her interest in Florida schools is based on her desire to study marine biology. Scairato said she was intrigued by the dolphins during her family vacations to Sea World in Orlando.
Sadly, she said, she is no longer picked as a volunteer for the dolphin shows.
"They pick all the little kids now. I am too old," said Scairato, whose room is even decorated in a dolphin motif.
But she’s young enough to pursue her longtime sport of soccer.
If that works out along with her plan to swim with the mammals, "it would be an added bonus," Scairato said.
