6 years, 77 games, 0 losses.

It’s a streak rarely seen at any level – high school, college, or the pros. Winning every game over the course of six years is no easy feat, but Benjamin’s middle school girls’ soccer team has made it look easy. Now, heading into this afternoon’s championship game against Rosarian Academy, the team is looking to make it six consecutive titles in six undefeated seasons. According to The Benjamin Middle School’s Athletic Director Toby Harbeck, this streak is the longest in TBS history. It’s no coincidence that this unprecedented streak began when Head Coach Mrs. Denise Ponchock took over the reins as head coach. So what’s her secret?

“My coaching philosophy is that a middle school team should be competitive, educational, and fun… I believe that being on the field with strong players helps one grow,” stated Ponchock. “I don’t think about the streak at all. We just have a job to do every season. We try to play to the best of our ability.”

However, some of the players do feel the pressure of maintaining the streak. “It is very pressuring to feel that our year could be the ‘streak breaker,’” said midfielder Chloe Jezerinac, “but I like a challenge.” Added eighth-grade forward Lily Smyth: “It can put a lot of pressure on us because we have to keep up a record-breaking 77 consecutive wins in a row…and counting.” Although most of the matches aren’t that close (the team has “mercied” four opponents this year, meaning play was stopped because the Bucs had an eight-goal lead), the girls did get a scare in the championship game last year. Ponchock took out the starters once the Bucs were up by 3 against St. Marks. However, the Lions took advantage of the switch, and they scored two quick goals. However, Benjamin still won 3-2.

The girl’s soccer team consists of 15 eighth graders, five seventh graders, seven sixth graders, and two coaches: Ponchock and Assistant Coach Mrs. Anne Franzen. Equipped with so many experienced players, it’s easy to see why this year’s team, powered by the eighth graders, is another juggernaut. “They’re confident, athletic, and very powerful athletes,” explained Ponchock. “There are several girls who play travel soccer. They are in excellent physical condition, have refined skills, and add dimension to the team.”

The girls also feel that their head coach prepares them well for each game. “Mrs. Ponchock is a fun coach, but is very demanding,” commented Smyth. “Before every practice, we run 4 laps around the football field and we do several drills with footwork and working with the other players to score in a drill. I think that [the soccer] program is very successful, especially because we prove it against all other teams in the area.”

The Bucs’ focus on team-oriented goals and fostering an encouraging environment is a large part of what makes the program so successful. “This year’s seventh and eighth grade have worked very well together,” said Jezerinac.“I feel everyone is very welcoming and supportive. The sixth graders have learned so much, and they are really helping me learn who I am on the field and off the field.”

Perhaps after today’s championship match, the Bucs’ will raise their sixth consecutive banner to the rafters of the gym. The streak will then be at 78 games and counting.