On Friday, March 21, the girls soccer season officially started. Playing their first game against the Rolla High School Bulldogs, the RBHS girls soccer team began their season with a 2-0 loss. Senior Haleigh Fancher, who plays all of the positions, said she thought the team should have played better.
“We came out with no intensity,” Fancher said. “After halftime we picked it up immensely but after they got their second goal we fell down a bit.”
Fancher said that the team needs to work on a lot of little things, like passing to feet and working with each other better. However, Fancher believes that because the team is young, their teamwork will get better as they get to know each other better. Coach Gary Drewing said that while the team has the skills they need, they need to be ready to play from the beginning.
“We were really good when we played to players’ feet tonight, that’s what we practice,” Drewing said. “We just didn’t do it in the first half. We need to be ready to come out and play the way we want to from the opening whistle.”
Drewing said that the team started the game flat and timid, and the veteran Bulldogs, composed of 10 returning starters, took advantage of their lackluster start. However, the Bruins would step it up in the second half, although RHS would still score another goal. Drewing said that he believes the team will develop as the season continues.
“I want us to exceed the expectations that the team had for themselves during preseason,” Drewing said. “The great part of team sports is when you have a team that develops into a cohesive unit and becomes something much bigger than a person can be alone.”
Senior midfielder Becca Adams said that although the team suffered a tough loss their first game, she believes that the season will only get better. Adams said that although she hopes that the team can win Districts, she believes that they can make it to the State competition.
“I hope we go to State,” Adams said. “I honestly think we can do it, but more importantly I just want us to win as many games as we can and just have a successful season, especially for us who this is our last year playing.”
By Derek Wang
