Soccer is synonymous with Spencerport. In the 1970s, the boys soccer program in Spencerport had already established a rich, winning tradition. Title IX was passed in 1972, which created opportunities for the girls, and the Spencerport Rangers fielded their first ever girls varsity soccer team in the fall of 1973.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Pat Stevenson, thirty girls took to the pitch. Playing in gym suits and pinnies and with a brown rubber soccer ball, this team learned the skills and strategies of the game of soccer. At this time, a goal was worth two points and a penalty kick was worth one. With a 6-1-1 record the Lady Rangers were declared Monroe County Champions.
1973 was also the first year that Section V hosted a sectional tournament for the girls. Because the Spencerport girls did not actually have uniforms of their own, they had to borrow the boys’ junior varsity uniforms for sectional play, as well as a legitimate soccer ball.
The Spencerport girls advanced to the quarter finals of the sectionals and defeated Geneseo 3-0. The semi-finals brought Spencerport to take on Canisteo which they defeated 5-0. The first ever Section V girls soccer finals pitted Spencerport vs. Alfred Almond. The game ended in regulation in a 0-0 tie and after four sudden death overtime periods, Spencerport was victorious 1-0 on a penalty kick.
The significance of this history has not been lost on the 1973 team. Since then, the Spencerport girls soccer program has won ten Section V titles and two New York state titles. In honor of the 1973 team’s 50th anniversary of the first ever Section V Championship and all alumni of the Spencerport girls soccer program, there will be a celebration this fall from September 28 through 30. The various celebrations are listed below, and all alumni and family members are encouraged to attend.
50 Year Celebration of the
1973 Spencerport
Girls Section V Soccer Champions
and all Girls Soccer Alumni
Thursday, September 28
Meet and greet for all Spencerport girls soccer alumni beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Clutch on the Canal, 94 South Union Street, Spencerport, second level. Food and drinks on your own.
Friday, September 29
•Morning: Private breakfast gathering for team members and families of the 1973 team.
•Evening: Private dinner celebration for team members and families of the 1973 team.
•Watch the Spencerport varsity girls at Gates Chili High School, time to be determined.
Saturday, September 30 – Soccer Bonanza!
•10 a.m. – Soccer clinic for youth
•12:30 p.m. – Spencerport JV girls vs. Brighton
•2:30 p.m. – Ceremony to honor 1973 team and all alumni of Spencerport girls soccer
•4 p.m. – Spencerport varsity girls vs. Brighton
Location: Rangers Stadium
Immediately following the varsity game there will be a celebration of all Spencerport girls soccer alumni in the Spencerport High School cafeteria.
For more information contact:
Heather Brendel Evans, hbevans11@icloud.com
Donna Pucci, donnapuccimhk@gmail.com
Provided information and photos
