Voorhees coach Taylor Webb is running out of adjectives to describe standout goalie Kimmie Pianucci.
The Vikings' senior keeper has made so many spectacular plays over the last few seasons that it's almost become routine.
"She is extremely talented and such a leader on the field," said Webb, a former star player now in her first season as head coach at her alma mater. "She's a coach on the field. She's an amazing girl and athlete."
Pianucci was front and center again on Thursday, stopping 17 shots to help Voorhees earn a thrilling 2-1 win in overtime against archrival Warren Hills. Pianucci was all over the place, making several saves while on the ground and coming up high in the circle to stop drives.
"I'm an aggressive goalie, that's just how I play," said Pianucci, who has verbally committed to play at Columbia University. "I like being proactive and not let [the opponents] take shots."
The inspiring play of Pianucci enabled Voorhees (7-2) to rebound from a 1-0 loss at Warren Hills five days earlier. The Vikings are comforted knowing any lead they give their goalie is usually safe in her talented hands.
"We run out of sayings [about Pianucci]," Webb said. "We usually say things like: 'You're ridiculously good.' 'Kimmie that's amazing.' She's so quick and agile on her feet."
A three-year starter, Pianucci has put herself alongside some of the Hunterdon County program's finest keepers, including Meagan Vakiener, who preceded Pianucci. Vakiener, now a senior and the starting keeper at Dartmouth, is regarded by many as the Vikings' best goalie in the school's 36-year history.
In her three-year career, Pianucci has recorded 28 shutouts and helped lead the 2010 team to the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament championship and a berth in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 final.
What's been the key to individual and team success?
"Communication is a big part for me," Pianucci said. "And the biggest thing we have going [as a team] is that we all get along. We're friends on and off the field. It's an awesome feeling knowing I can help the team out."
And to her credit, Pianucci has helped make her teammates better just by sharing the same field.
"They play against one of the best goalies around every day in practice," Webb said.
Webb has also made an impact on her goalie, along with assistant coach Heidi Hintz, a former star goalie during her playing days at Voorhees and the current team's keeper instructor.
"They work so well with us," Pianucci said. "We get things done. They know when to make it serious and when to make it fun. It's enjoyable being here."
And the Vikings certainly enjoy knowing they have Pianucci defending their cage.
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