With a 13-6-3 overall record and a 8-4-1 league record, never losing a home game, the varsity girls soccer team has had quite an exciting season. Starting off the sensational season undefeated in league with a surprising win against San Luis Obispo High school at a home game and continuing to defeat components.
Their coaching staff consists of Dillion Simoulis, head coach, and Steve Pugh, assistant coach.
“Without a good relationship and mutual respect between the player and the coaches, I don’t think success is possible,” Simoulis said.
The varsity girls soccer team has 19 girls on the team with 11 Juniors, six Seniors and only two Sophomores, Marissa Ezzell and Jordan Bullard. This team has returning players that allow for a team dynamic that compares to no other.
“They are a wonderful group of girls! They have a lot of respect for
each other and this is something I see on and off the field. They are creating a culture that will define Bearcat soccer for many years to come. I am very proud of what they have accomplishments so far and look forward to what is to come,” varsity coach Simoulis said.
On this team there are many strong players that contribute to the team during the game, such as Madison Wineman with four goals this season, and Giselle Zatarain with 10 goals.
“As a team we realize our strengths and weaknesses. During practices we work on stretching the field and movement off the ball to create gaps within the opponents defense for an opportunity at the goal”, Senior captain and goalie, Alexis Serna said.
Averaging two goals per game, the girls have only lost three league matches so far this season, in a tough match against Arroyo Grande, resulting in a 2-0 loss. Then losing in a nail biting overtime game in a 3-4 loss, and once again in a shattering 0-8 loss against rival San Luis Obispo.
“With being a captain, it’s important to treat everyone equally and continue to push everyone to their fullest potential because if anyone doesn’t give it 110% on the field it can affect the rest of the game,” Serna said.
After the shattering loss to San Luis Obispo, due to many starting players out for either sickness or injuries, the team continues on with the season.
“We still have a lot going for us. SLO was just one game. We defeated them at our home game and they defeated us at their home. They are ranked 19 in the state so I think going 1-1 against them is pretty good. As of now we are only team to defeat them this season! Our main goal is to finish second in league and make a run in CIF,”said Simoulis.
No matter the game each player on the team helps try to complete a task that all teams desire at the end of each game: a victory.
Even though the hopes of winning league is gone, the girls are still playing for a chance to make it to CIF.
“As a team, we have to hold our ground, keep our heads up in each and every game we play, and continue to play Bearcat soccer,” Serna said.
No other sport, including the boys team, has had the amount of success they have had in the competitive Southern Section league this winter season. No matter how tough the opponents have been for this soccer team, they have seemed to come back with a fighting spirit and are clawing for a chance to make it back to CIF.
