The Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team continued their impressive winning streak through their final weeks, finishing their season off 25-1. They were undefeated in league and in their postseason, winning both CCS Open Division and CIF NorCal. MaxPreps ranks the team as second in the state of California and fifth in the country.
The team began their post-season victories by securing the CCS Open Division Title. With victories over Los Altos and Saint Ignatius in the quarter final and semi final respectively, the Lancers moved into the CCS final against Menlo Atherton. Although nervous, the team was motivated by inspiring words from their coach, Carlos Barboza (’09), who said, “we didn’t come all this way to lose,” reminding them of the hard work that got them to this game. With an early first goal, the team went on to score two more defeating the Bears 3-0. The team has fond memories of running onto the field after the game and celebrating together.
Next, the team played for the CIF NorCal Title, coming out victorious against San Ramon Valley in the quarter final as well as Menlo Atherton again in the semi final. In an intense final against Carondelet High School, the team won with a game-winning goal by captain Kaya Rosa (’23) in the final five minutes of the game, putting the team 1-0. Natalie Chan (’25) describes the historical win, and the mindset of the team leading up to their final game: “knowing that it was the last game we would play as a team was a big motivator for many people, me included. This game was different because we weren’t just playing for ourselves, we were playing for our teammates, our seniors, and the legacy we would leave.”
Undoubtedly, the team’s consistent victories can be attributed to their strong connection on and off the field. Rosa described how “everyone has gotten super close [which] has helped the team chemistry and made the atmosphere super fun.” Chan added that “the team has put in so much hard work, and everyone’s dedication and commitment to the process is really paying off.” When specifically asked about their victories in the postseason, Chan stated, “what got us to achieve all these amazing accomplishments is the knowledge that we are stronger together. Soccer is a beautiful game because it is always a team effort, and we all understood that we needed to do our part to meet our goals.”
Finishing WCAL with an undefeated 10-0 record ranked the Lancers first as they headed into the postseason. Seven team members were recognized with all league honors: seniors Kaya Rosa and Reilly Moore, juniors Sophie Murdock and Charlotte Kohler, and sophomores Kamryn Rosa, Gianna Nurisso, and Natalie Chan. Chan commented on the recognition: “I felt so honored! There are so many talented players around the WCAL, so to have made all-league honors was so special to me, and I am so grateful to have been recognized!” As the seniors graduate, the young team has a bright future ahead for upcoming seasons with many promising talents continuing the legacy that this year’s team has created.
