Lady Moors Third in League, Reach First Round CIF

ANGELYNE CHU
Sports Editor
The varsity girls’ soccer team ended their fluctuating season with a 5-2-3 Almont League record, placing them third in league. The team qualified for the California Scholastic Federation (CIF), which they have not played in for six years.
According to Co-Captain Courtney Moore, there have been many negative assumptions about the team, motivating the girls to prove them wrong. Their determination led the girls to place third in league.
“No one thought that we could do this, not even our peers outside of soccer,” said Moore.
One major factor that encouraged the girls to commit was Head Coach Armando Gutierrez. He gave the girls a stable environment and among the coach and the players, there is mutual respect as well.
In preparation for CIF, the girls practiced regularly, building up a lot of excitement, as well as worry. Because the team had not qualified for six years, the girls did not know what to expect from their opponents.
“Not knowing how strong your opponents are just makes you want to work harder to prepare,” said Co-Captain Andrea Pineda.
On Feb.17, the team played their first CIF game against Milken Community, ending with a 0-1 score loss. According to Moore, the girls were all in the game, trying their best while some started becoming frustrated and giving up after one point was scored from their opponents, even though sixty minutes was still there on the clock.
“We got a little over excited and over confident and going into the game like that will mess you up. A game is ninety percent mental and ten percent physical,” said Moore.
Nevertheless, the team had the most successful season that they have had in years. Gutierrez would like to give special thanks to Assistant Coach Steve Morales, Coach Oscar Diaz, Coach Netza Bravo, the AHS athletic department and a special thanks to all the players.
“They believed in my philosophy and my technique, and applied [on the field],” said Gutierrez.