Marist senior Viviana Corona has played in the midfield for as long as she can remember.
This season though, it’s been more of a defensive midfielder role as the RedHawks rolled to an impressive first month-plus of the season.
Wherever the team needs her, she’s good with the role.
But don’t be confused. Corona is still quite capable of doing some damage up top.
Scoring just 76 seconds into the second half, Corona broke a scoreless tie and jump-started Marist on the way to a 3-0 rivalry victory on April 20 at Mother McAuley. It was Corona’s first goal of the season.
“This game is always crazy,” Corona said. “It’s always the best game of the year. You work as hard as you can in this game.”
Senior Hannah McNeela and junior Mia Sherry had a goal each for the RedHawks, who were 11-1-1 overall coming into this week. Junior goalkeeper Tess Hernon recorded two saves to earn the shutout.
Senior goalkeeper Lucy Gray had three saves for the Mighty Macs, who ended last week at 8-5-2.
A big part of Marist’s success this season has come from its ability to control the ball in the midfield and limit scoring opportunities for opponents.
For Corona, she’s loving her more defensive-minded role.
“It’s a big adjustment, but I think it’s a better adjustment for me,” Corona said. “I think I play better defensively.”
Corona said she grew up as a multi-sport athlete, but she was always drawn to soccer the most.
She was up on the varsity midway through her freshman season.
“I’ve played soccer for a really long time. It always stuck with me,” Corona said. “It’s been my favorite. I grew up with a lot of soccer players in my family, so I look up to them and wanted to be like them. My dad played tennis and was really committed to sports. He always pushes me to be good and be determined.”
Corona’s shot came on an assist from freshman Anna Budz as the duo played a little give-and-go.
After a quick pass to Budz, Corona took the pass back to her and ripped a straight-on shot from about 15 yards out for the first score.
Just three minutes later, McNeela extended the lead with a shot from almost the exact same spot.
The RedHawks were off and rolling, ultimately adding the third score on a pretty shot from Sherry off a Corona corner kick with seven minutes remaining.
For McNeela, it was a special goal as she made her season debut after missing her junior year with a knee injury and then injuring her ankle late in 2025.
“I was excited all day for this game,” McNeela said. “I woke up and haven’t wiped the smile off my face all day. Being back, it was a long journey. As soon as I could get back, the better.”
Mother McAuley coach Meg McCauley said injuries have mounted in recent weeks. But she’s been impressed with the fight her team has shown, even in some tough losses.
“They’re ready to take things day by day,” McCauley said. “What I’ve learned about this group is they have grit and fight and a lot of love for each other. Wherever they are, on or off the field, they show up for each other. I’m super proud of how this group comes together.”