The Lady Barrons’ soccer team has shown an aptitude for reform since the beginning of the season, when they were plagued by injury.

Coach Mortensen, the three year coach, has had to combat this start. “The first three games were a mix of things. We had some new players who we had to incorporate into our team and we were still learning a new formation, which I thought better fit our strengths,” said Mortensen.

During this season, the girls team encountered six varsity players being unable to play due to sickness, injuries, or other reasons. Some of these key players included Anjanie Gilzean, senior and Captain, Emily Mazzarella, a senior midfielder, and Olivia Gattone, a sophomore forward.

Following these issues was a positive mid-season string of results that increased the team’s morale and performance. Captain Gabby D’Emilio saw a close win against Bishop Ahr as the turning point. “The win brought out our confidence and showed our true potential we have when we work as a collective team,” said D’Emilio. Sophomore defender Leticia Dasilva also believed the win over Bishop Ahr served as a turning point in the season and said, “I believe that once we beat them [Bishop Ahr] we felt like we could actually do anything. Most don’t know that we  haven’t beaten Bishop Ahr in 6 years, and once we beat them we felt anything was possible.”

This time period involved the team coming together, settling into a new formation that complemented the personnel’s play style while incorporating freshman talent into the roster. Some key freshmen include forward Ketty Martinez, midfielder Jill Messick, and defender Emily Carlson.

The Lady Barrons’ have slowly climbed up from the bottom of the table into the middle of the pack. Though a work in progress, the team can provide a huge threat to any opponent in the county tournament. “I do believe we can be dangerous come the GMC tournament. We have the ability to put the ball in the net as well as defend as a unit. Again it will take the team being consistent in their play and playing the full 80 minutes each and every game,” said Mortensen. On the topic Dasilva said, “When tournament time comes I do see ourselves as a threat. We have a good team with many skilled players and we have the heart to compete. We want to do well in the tournament, but understand all good things come with hard work.”

The girls team has shown a lot of growth throughout the season and could be in interesting watch as the season continues.