In an aggressive bout of powerful offense, the JV women’s soccer team successfully caught their second win of the season, 4-0 against the Cedar Ridge Raiders on Friday, Jan. 17. Even with numerous novel additions to their team, the Warriors have seamlessly adapted to the changes both on and off the field to go undefeated during their preseason tournaments and two in-season matches. 

“I think we did a really good job,” Forward, Julia Ziegler ‘27 said. “Collectively, we worked well, intellectually, we were on the same page, and we just came together as one big family and dominated.”

Right from the start, both teams exhibited a collective aggression, quickly driving the ball up and down the field. Shortly after, the Raiders gained the slight upper hand, weaving past a slowing Warrior defense and inched gradually towards the goal. However, defender, Kensington Maynes ‘28 surged past incoming Raider offense to break the Warriors out of their sluggish trance, driving the ball back up the field to cut the Raiders’ push short. Despite her tough fight against the Raiders’ defense, she attempted a goal that skirted past the nets, leaving the scoreboard blank. 

“One of our biggest strengths was how much we kept fighting until the very end, in true Warrior spirit,” Madeleine Ziegler ’27 said. “I was really happy that this was our first home game [and] I am proud that we all kept our energy the whole time.” 

The Raiders’ rapid territory gain pushed the Warriors to ramp up their defense, which remained stable for the rest of the game as the ball stayed on the Raiders’ side of the field for the rest of the half.But, the Warrior offense, on the other hand, found it difficult to break free from their covers, making numerous unsuccessful attempts on the goal, with the Raider goalie posing a formidable opponent. Persistently pushing at the opposing team, the Warriors were finally able to tire out the goalie and hammer in the ball, securing the first goal of the game. 

“I think we’ve been able to pick each other up a lot better than last year, [and] we’ve been a lot more team-centric,” Defender Jordan Lott ‘27 said. “I feel like our energy was really good and we were very [present] there as a team as well.”

Although the Warriors attempt to use their renewed spirit post-goal to push for yet another, however, the Raiders managed to stall out the game, pushing back with alarming aggression. Attempting to push back against the onslaught, the Warriors matched their aggression, repeatedly pushing the ball out of bounds. Looking to shift their strategy to push out of their slump, the Warriors shifted gears to focus on teamwork and technique to launch the ball into the air over Raider defense. And eventually, after continued efforts, the Warriors scored their second goal of the game, still early on in the first half. 

“The team has all bonded pretty well, and our new team chemistry is good,” Julia said. “Our playing style has intensified and strengthened.”

Following the pattern set by the first goal, the game stagnated as both teams approached each other with renewed force, as the Raiders saw more and more fumbles and worry began to hinder their play. However, despite the buffer of two goals, the Warriors don’t ease up on their offense. Continuing to drive the ball across the field the Warriors dropped in a third goal, setting the game 3-0 barely into the second half. 

“As a team, we’re already bringing out each other’s strengths,” Defender Madeleine said. “[Even though] one of our biggest weaknesses is sometimes I think, individually, we let little moments get to us, it’s okay because we [have] our awesome teammates pick us up each time.”

Soon after the Warriors’ third goal, the Raiders responded in terrifying force, in a desperate attempt to get on the board. But, in a final forceful push across the field, the Warriors recovered after the abrupt Raider onslaught and drove the ball back into Raider territory, where after slow encounters among the now exhausted teams, the Warriors were able to make one last goal. However, even with the four goal lead, the Warriors remained heavily on the offense, hoping to still up the score. After rapidly turning the ball over  in the last stretch of the game, both teams remained aggressive up to the very end, but the Warriors’ teamwork and coordination pushed the game in their favor, resulting in a final score of 4-0. 

The JV women’s soccer team will return for their next home game against the Hutto Hippos at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Warrior Bowl.