Success through teamwork
Girls’ soccer kicks their way to top 10
Co-captain and midfielder and senior Ashley Escamilla gains control of the ball and tries to advance to the goal. She is currently looking for players she is able to pass the ball to
The Bonita Vista High (BVH) varsity girls’ soccer team garnered tremendous success for the 2021-2022 season. Throughout the season, they played a total of 16 games, winning 13, tying two and losing one. Currently, the Lady Barons are ranked number three in the state of California and nationally ranked number 10 in the past two weeks.
Co-captain, Midfielder, Center and senior Ashley Escamilla shared that the team went through a shift in the team’s formation and strategies. Varsity girls’ soccer Head Coach Kiko Medina explained that the team changed their set-up as a strategy in an effort to increase their chances of winning.
“We changed our coordination. So, the default formation for soccer is four in the back, three in the middle and three forward,” Escamilla said. “We have been playing with four in the back, four in midfield and two forwards—that helped us a lot more.”
Medina described that the team’s new set-up helps strengthen their performance on the field. As elaborated by former head coach and editor of Soccer Coach Weekly Dave Clarke in his article, “The game flowing and [splitting] defenses by swinging the ball from one side to the other [can help] create space and outnumber the defense.”
“It’s just a matter of finding the right group of girls on the field and placing them in positions [where] they can help the team the most,” Medina said.
At first, the team had difficulties with teamwork but managed to emerge victoriously. Their first game was against Mater Dei Catholic (MDC). BVH defeated MDC with a score of 2-1. The team struggled with communication towards the end of the game, almost causing them to lose according to Escamilla.
“[The first game of the season] was a very sloppy game because we were getting to know each other. We played better [in our recent games] than in our first game because we are more familiar with each other,” Escamilla said. “We always start the first half slow. I feel like we get complacent because of our record and we don’t go full out from the first whistle.”
During team practices, team members would work towards improving their communication and teamwork as they pass the ball from one player to another. Since then, they have shown growth on the field and the players have established a stronger bond, making them feel closer to each other.
“Our bond has grown a lot more than last year,” Outside-back and sophomore Natalie Guevara said. “Now that we see each other [during team practices and games], everyone is really close and gets along.”
Getting familiar with each other allowed us to improve. [The team] has talented players that [also] play [in soccer] clubs at very high levels. — Varsity girls’ soccer Head Coach Kiko Medina
Goalkeeper and junior Aaliyah Campbell, and Escamilla agree with Guevara that the bond with the rest of the team members has improved. Moreover, the team practices at least twice a week where team players are seen putting their best foot forward, according to Medina. Moreover, Medina mentioned that beyond playing for BVH’s soccer team, some student-athletes play for other soccer teams.
“Getting familiar with each other allowed us to improve. [The team] has talented players that [also] play [in soccer] clubs at very high levels,” Medina said.
Throughout the season, the Lady Barons maintained strong communication and participated in practices consistently, resulting in the team working together more effectively.
This trust helps team members feel assured, knowing that they can work together without fear of losing a game.
“[When we] practice, [we all] have a lot of fun together regardless of the age gap. Soccer just helps us bond well, it’s something we [all] have in common,” Escamilla said.
As a result of better communication and their combined efforts in practices and games, the girls’ varsity soccer team has surpassed their achievements last season. The team has a predominant winning season, along with undefeated home wins. The team won a division one tournament against Cathedral Catholic High, with a score of 4-3.
“I have really high expectations for our team this year. I think we can accomplish a lot more. We have been winning a lot and being a good team. So, I think we can win [the] California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) this year,” Guevara said.
The girls’ soccer players and Medina set high expectations for themselves this season allowing them to stay motivated to reach their goals. Moving forward, the team aims to continue being competitive in their games against other schools.
“[We plan] to win Metro Mesa League this year and CIF, plus further [games],” Campbell said.
As a junior, this is my third year as a part of the Crusader staff. This year I am a News Editor and was previously the Staff Artist and Photographer....
I am a junior at Bonita Vista High, and a second year staff member on the Crusader. I love being able to meet new people, and having conversations with...
