STORY BY AIDEN EISEL, SPORTS EDITOR
PHOTO BY GABI GARCIA, CONTRIBUTOR AND MEDIA SUPPORT
The women’s soccer team has gotten off to a fast start this season, as the team aims to make a push toward the playoffs.
The reigning state runner-ups currently have a 7-0-2 record this season. Last season, they had a record of 19-4-3, a mark they will try to improve on this season. The team came close to winning the state championship last season but came up short when they lost 5-4 in place kicks after a 1-1 tie in regulation to Folsom Lake.
The team knows they have what it takes to get back to the championship this season and win it. Head Coach Erick Hurtarte noted that while the team is off to a good start they “haven’t reached their peak yet” but have done well against the best teams in the conference.
When talking about some of the keys that will lead to their success he stated, “A little bit of luck…staying healthy and peaking at the right time.” Hurtarte thinks his team has a shot at winning the Championship this season if they can maintain their success moving forward.
He brought up that though he feels the team, he is impressed by their work ethic and willingness to sacrifice for the program. Hurtarte said the team battles adversity well and works through games even when they are not at their best.
When asked about his program and what impressed him the most, he said, “A lot of people don’t understand the sacrifice these kids make and the hours they put in, not only on the field but off the field as well… they’re willing to do so much for the sport and the program and I’m really grateful for that”.
Hurtarte wants this to be the season where it comes together because they have players with the work ethic to go all the way this season. The team recently tied with Saddleback by a score of 1-1, and will host Irvine Valley on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 3:00 p.m. as they try to retain their unbeaten start to begin the season.