The girls varsity soccer team lost their first playoff game at Holtville High School 2-1 on Thursday 2/20 and will not continue in the CIF playoffs. The team ended their comeback season with a total of nine losses, nine wins and one tie. The team has worked all season to try and get a championship despite all the obstacles they have faced including being the first girl’s soccer team since 2023.
The girls varsity soccer team has had many challenges throughout this season according to Jamie Valdez (‘28) and Dorian Santana (‘27). These challenges include having tough losses, and not being able to talk to someone from a previous team.
“Our team worked very well together throughout the season and that is what I really liked about it and how we could always hear each other out,” states Dorian Santana (‘27).
The girls soccer team prepared every day after school in order to end the season on a good note.
“I felt stressed that we were working very hard to finish this season on a good note even though we took defeat but it was still worth it in the end,” states Jamie Valdez (‘28).
The girls faced some challenges along the way, like losing games, but Coach Villalobos believed in their resistance in the season to succeed overall.
“I tried to provide guidance throughout the season, but for a game like this, my advice to the team is simple: trust in the work you’ve put in,” states Coach Villalobos.
One specific strength stood out to Coach Villalobos the most.
“Our team’s greatest strength this year has been its unity. Even in tough losses, their desire to improve never wavered, and they consistently demonstrated their commitment to growth and each other,” states Coach Villalobos.
Some players had mixed feelings about their performance leading up to and after the playoffs.
“I was scared and excited at the same time but I felt confident about playing on the field but overall I tried my best to succeed,” states Santana (‘27).
“I feel sad that we lost but hopefully next year we can try again and achieve the goal we’ve been aiming for all season,” states Valdez (‘28).
Coach Villalobos enjoyed hosting several home games because it was an exciting atmosphere to be a part of. She hopes that many middle school students will consider joining the team in the future tryouts.
“As I reflect on the season, I believe we experienced success in many ways. Restarting our girls’ soccer program was a significant achievement, and I was able to witness tremendous growth from our student-athletes,” states Coach Villalobos.
