The team’s on-field improvement is noticeable. On Thursday, April 19, the team defeated Walter Payton 2-1 off of goals from Lhalyeh and junior Amina Zukancic. The win builds on momentum from a 0-0 tie against a tough Maine West team, which head coach Paul Elkins referred to as “the defining moment of the season thus far.”
“Maine West was an important result for our team. We were missing several key players, and several new players stepped up for our team and helped us get the result,” Elkins said.
Marquez also felt that the Maine West result has put the team on the path toward a successful season. “[Against Maine West], we played really well; we finally came together as a team and all worked off each other’s energy,” Marquez said.
The cohesion between the fledgling freshmen and the experienced seniors seems to be paying dividends, but their work is far from finished if they want to achieve success in the playoffs. Still, the team remains optimistic and determined.
Elkins said, “I think our team is getting stronger as the season goes on. I think we can surprise some people in the postseason.”
PHOTO OF GIRLS SOCCER TEAM DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM BY AARON PELLISH