It may only have been the first game of the spring, but for New Rochelle, the stakes just felt higher. Hosting Edgemont in the season opener on March 29, the Huguenots edged the Panthers in a wild affair, getting a goal in double-overtime from Riley Fullerton to escape with a 13-12 win. But the emotional victory was more than just a positive start to the year for the North Avenue squad, it was an affirmation that the Huguenot program is heading in the right direction.

Fullerton, a senior attacker, explained that wins like Tuesday’s are important, especially as New Rochelle looks to establish itself as a player on the Section I landscape. 

“We’ve really been building something here, and I think this win shows the hard work and the dedication we’ve put in during the off-season,” said Fullerton. “It’s really great to see it all come together.”

On the game’s final play, Fullerton collected the ball 15 yards from the goal on the left hashmark, split the defense, and fired a shot into the top right corner of the net to give the Huguenots the win. 

“We’ve tried a lot of more strategic things, but to be honest, I was just trying to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Fullerton. “We got it done.”

New Rochelle seemed to have the advantage early in Tuesday’s game, racing out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first quarter. But a pesky Edgemont team refused to give in, wresting control from the Huguenots in a second half that saw several lead changes in the final minutes of play. 

Fullerton—who finished with four goals and three assists—may have led the offensive effort, but it was the team’s gritty, hard-nosed play down the stretch that foiled Edgemont’s chances for a game-winner of their own. Stephen Gotsch had a number of stellar saves in net to help the Huguenots come away with the win.

“This was everything I love about this game,” said Fullerton.  “I love the physicality, I love the passion everyone has for it, and there’s nothing better than scoring a goal with your best friends.”

Edgemont won’t have much time to dwell on Tuesday’s loss, as the Panthers will be back in action on March 30—after press time—against Blind Brook. New Rochelle will close out the week with back-to-back games against Ardsley and Pelham on Thursday and Friday, ectively.