By Michael Kaplan
The girlsâ soccer team plays Orange Lutheran in the first round of the CIF playoffs today at home at 3 p.m. After starting the season 7-7-2, the team finished the season with a 14-7-5 record, including an undefeated 7-0-3 record in league play.
âOur non-league opponents were extremely tough,â center-midfielder Jenna Marine â08 said. âI think so many tough games helped us grow and improve as a team.â
The quality of the teams who the girls will face in the playoffs match that of their non-league schedule, but the players believe it is up to the challenge.
âWeâre communicating better as a team and passing the ball on the ground much better to each other,â forward Shannon Hart â07 said. âWe are starting to use our assets, and I think we are going to go far in the playoffs no matter what anyone says.â
Led by senior captains Hart and Lizzy Danhakl â07, the team has scored 17 goals in their last eight games after scoring just 13 in their first 18 games. Hart leads the team in goals scored while Danhakl, a defender, is one of the teamâs fastest players.
âI think that weâve really improved as of late, and I have a lot of faith in this team,â Marine said. âLizzy and Shannon have been amazing and are really dedicated to making us better.â
The team attributes their recent success to the growing camaraderie among the players. The team went on a retreat to Danhaklâs house this past weekend in order to prepare for the playoffs.
The girls are looking to improve upon last yearâs end result where they came just short of a CIF title after a 2-1 loss in the championship game to Upland.