Defending CCS Champs Ousted in Quarter-Finals

Though the varsity girls soccer team overcame injuries and completed a successful season, they fell short of a sequential CCS title with a 1-0 loss to Presentation on February 16. However, the team outscored their opponents 58-15 overall throughout the season and had been playing to the best of its abilities despite numerous changes in the lineup until their CCS loss.

“We struggled at times trying to find a rhythm as a team, but for the most part we found a way to win,” captain senior Margueritte Aozasa said. “Although we had a disappointing finish in CCS, we came out on top in league and played pretty well throughout the season.”

The team struggled through injury troubles. Margueritte was sidelined before the season even began. Senior Brittany Westrum and junior Kellie Welch suffered from ACL injuries, freshman Chloe Langston tore her hamstring and goalie senior Emily Galli underwent shoulder surgery.

Along with the many injuries affecting the team in its 1-0 loss to Presentation, it was simply unable to score the needed goal despite playing a solid game.

“I thought we played amazingly; sometimes games just don’t go your way,” captain senior Sarah Nesmith said.

The team varies in grade level, with 12 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores and 1 freshman. They finished first place in the De Anza division, with a league record of 8-3-1 (15-5-1 overall).

“When we play, we don’t rely on a single player,” Chloe said. “Instead we try to use the whole team to move the ball around.”

Utilizing a formation of 3-5-2, the defense was led by senior captain Lauren Crum as sweeper , along with left defender junior Kelsey Mulcahy and right defender junior Stephanie Baer or sophomore Taylor Smith. Seniors Nicole Duller and captain Hallie Keenan were usually the holding midfielders, with Sarah as an attacking midfielder.

“I think we really worked hard and I am proud of what we achieved this year,” Sarah said.

Senior Julia Cashen controlled the left side of the attack, along with Brittany or sophomore Noorin Dorosti on the right. The offense was led by forwards senior Emily Langston and sophomore Adi Yogev, who led the team in scoring with 11 goals.

As for the future, many seniors plan to play soccer in college. Seven seniors have signed letters  of intent to their future colleges: Nicole, Emily and Sarah (Northwestern University), Margueritte (Santa Clara University), Hallie  (Brigham Young University), Brittany (University of Oregon) and Lauren (St. Mary’s College).

Next year, the team may face a difficult season, losing 8 of its 11 starters, and they will have to rely on lowerclassmen to contribute their talent to what will presumably be a young starting lineup.