By Jessica SHUMATE, intern

After their unfortunate loss against Arcadia on Feb. 11, the Crescenta Valley girls’ soccer team completed their season in second place in the Pacific League. Last Thursday the girls battled for the first place spot in league on Falcons turf. Arcadia, fired up from their loss against CV from earlier in the season, held up a strong defense throughout the game. During the first half the Apaches were able to score two goals while holding the Falcons to zero. After huddling up at half time, CV came back to match Arcadia’s defense.

Although it was a strong performance, CV was not able to execute a goal, resulting in the final score of 2-0 and Arcadia winning first place with a record of 13-1. Crescenta Valley finished 12-2.

The team members are fond of saying, “Take it one game at a time” and will need that attitude when taking on Alemany in Mission Hills for the first round of CIF. Crescenta Valley’s biggest challenge will be their unfamiliarity with how their opponents play, and this one will be tough, especially since Alemany is the first seed in the Sunshine League (4-0-4 record). Still, the girls’ goal is to play to the best of their abilities instead of adjusting to their opponents’ strengths. Senior team captain, Lauren Cota, explained that losing to Arcadia will benefit them in the postseason.

“Arcadia is such a good team that if we apply what we did right in that game it’s a good way to gauge how we’ll play in playoffs,” Cota said.

The other team captain, senior Natalia Victoria, agreed adding that, “If we had come in with a win against Arcadia, we would of been overconfident. I think this way we are more motivated.”

Leading the way in scoring during league was Brianna McReynolds. The freshman had 21 goals and seven assists, including multiple three-goal games. Senior Rachel Bird had 14 goals and 13 assists. Coach Tyraysha Peterson’s 21-player roster has six seniors, including Cota (two goals, two assists) and Victoria (two assists). Finishing off their senior year with a loss may not have been according to plan, but the two captains share that this year was by far their best. Now they and the rest of the Falcons prepare to battle in the playoffs.

  Jessica Shumate