KELSEY NEWA ’14 | Staff Writer

Nearing the end of a perfect season, the girls freshmen soccer team hopes to continue its winning streak by playing consistent during its last three games of the season.

Thus far, the team of 15 girls has come out undefeated with a record of 12-0.       

Goals at the beginning of the season included improved defense and limiting scoring opportunities, and so far, Head Coach Joe Pratico can check those goals off his list.

The team is outscoring its opponents about seven to one, said Pratico.

“For 12 games, we have let in a total of seven goals,” he added.

In addition to improved defensive strategies, each and every player had scored at least one goal by midseason. Goalkeeper Beth Crader ’15 has also graced the team with seven shutouts.

Pratico said every player is important to the team. The team working together as a whole is what made this season so successful.

“The team chemistry is great. These kids grew up together,” said Pratico. “They all know each other and played together since they were four or five years old.”

Hailey Clarke ’15 attributes the team’s success to its ability to communicate on the field.

Although Pratico identified every player on the team as a “bright spot,” he mentioned one consistent player that has helped to keep their record so impeccable.

“Tori McShane (’15) has scored at least one goal in every game,” said Pratico. “She’s got a record streak going and we’re trying to preserve that and get her one goal every game now that we’re so close to the end. That’ll be a first.”

Abby Carrier ’15 has also been a factor in the team’s success.

“(Carrier) is the only one who has not subbed out yet and that’s because she works hard. We can be up 7-0, we can be 1-1 and she’ll still play as hard as she can,” said Pratico.

The team will play tonight against Stevenson tonight. They will conclude their season next week with a game against Lakeview on Tuesday, May 22 and with a rematch against their toughest competition Eisenhower on Thursday, May 24. 

Earlier in the season, the team defeated Eisenhower 2-1 and hopes to do so again for their last game. 

“Beating Ike (Eisenhower) was definitely a highlight,” said Pratico. “It was the first time we beat Ike since they consolidated their freshmen teams. It was a really hard fought game. It was up and down both sides and the teams were very evenly matched.”

The season finale against  Eisenhower could make or break the team’s 12-0 record, but regardless of the result, Pratico commends the girls for doing such a tremendous job ensuring success.

“We’ve all known each other for most of ours lives,” said Alexis Mellos ’15. “We’re strong as a team because we never give up.”