Women's Soccer Team Loses In NCS Playoffs

The Berkeley High Women Soccer team has had a stellar season guided by captains Naomi Hetzel and Siobhan MacArdle. On Wednesday 17 the team was at the point of sudden death. If they were to lose the game, it would be the last game of the season. Sadly, even with all their dedication and hard work, they did not pull through and lost their North Coast Sectional game against Liberty. Despite this loss they are still had an amazing season, “We played really hard yesterday and left everything on the field. Although we ended on a bad note, we grew so much as a team this season,” explained MacArdle.

After that the team worked extremely hard through the preseason and through winter break. Due to this they went undefeated in league and the Tri-Valley tournament. “In league we’ve been undefeated and we’ve definitely come together and done very well as a team,” said Katie Kaizer-Salk.

The loss on Wednesday February 17 was a devastating blow to the team. They had a great chance to win and continue on, but in the end this opportunity was swept away by a 0-1 loss. “All we could do was play composed, and play our hardest,” said Hetzel. Losing that game has prevented them from advancing; meaning it was the last game and almost time to say goodbye to the seniors. “We lost tonight 1-0, but I’d have to say that we have the utmost respect and love for one another and tonight and every night, games and practices we leave our hearts on the field, and knowing that we gave our best,” said Ashley Ahwah.Throughout the season, practices were intense and required hard fitness. “Practicing two hours a day together has led us to be a tight knit team,” said Hetzel, co-captain.

“This season was the best season since I’ve been at Berkeley High. Coming out to practice every day from 6-8 is worth it for how good we became,” declared Siobhan MacArdle.

There are nine seniors on the soccer team and 19 teammates in all. Five team members have been playing together since sophomore year for have been playing together since sophomore year for a total of three years.

“As a new player it was hard adjusting at first, because I felt the practices were a lot more intense than club soccer. It was also difficult getting used to the amount of fitness,” said Cody Dalrymple, a sophomore.

“All the girls are completely amazing! We all get along really well and the amount of work we put in is great,” said Kaizer-Salk. The teammates challenge each other to do their best and try their hardest. They compete amongst themselves and keep the energy and spirits high during games and practice. “The team gets along incredibly great and everyone has a unique connection with one another,” said Ahwah.

On the need to work on any thing as a team Ashley Ahwah only had encouraging words, “I’d have to say on things to work on, it’d be that we need to believe in ourselves from the get–go. And know from the start that we’re going to succeed. Both captains beamed with joy and pride.” The team was great. I couldn’t ask for a harder working group of girls. We have all grown so much during the season and become very close,” stated Naomi Hetzel.