The girls spent a few weeks over the summer preparing for the upcoming 2025 soccer season. They spent the pre-season conditioning and coming together as a team. In order to help boost the morale of the camps, they incorporated a variety of different dress-up theme days. A few of these different themes included: “Pink Out”, “USA”, “Beach Day” and “Dress Your Age.” Conditioning throughout the summer is vital for the girls as it helps make connections with new teammates and strengthen previously built relationships.
“I think the themes made everyone feel included and excited for the season. Everyone was laughing and having fun at all the practices,” Hannah Houy (10) said.
With the loss of a few key players from their previous season, the seniors had to step up into leadership roles to help guide the team in the right direction for the season. This year’s head team captains include seniors: Alyssa Bearer, Brianne Casto, Mackenzie Mohrbacher, Farisa Roberts and Trinity Vojtko. The captains play big roles in guiding the underclassmen throughout the season and help bring the team together as one.
“I will never forget once being in their shoes and feeling all of those nerves. I love being a part of making them feel more comfortable with the upperclassmen and more like a team,” Bearer said.
The girls began their season off in a conference game against the Riverside Panthers. The match began with the opposing team scoring a point, but they were soon able to bounce back and score a point of their own. During the second quarter, the weather turned against the girls, as well as their odds. In the pouring rain, the Panthers managed to sneak in another goal, resulting in a 2-1 loss.
While facing a defeat for their first game, it did not stop the determined girls from taking on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School (OLSH) in their second conference match. The team was able to defeat OLSH in a 4-2 blowout, enabling them to secure their first conference win of the season.
“The season looks like it’s going to have a great outcome. We have gone 2/2 in our section, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season will hold,” Rylie Vojtko (11) said.
After their win against OLSH, they took on the Ambridge Bridgers. In the first half, the opposing team scored two points. The Bulldogs fought to make a comeback in the second half, but fell short, only managing one point before the game came to an end. The final score was 2-1, resulting in their second section loss of the season.
Making a comeback, the Bulldogs topped the Mohawk Warriors 8-0. In the first half the girls managed two goals. The Warriors were unable to make a comeback during the second half, giving the Bulldogs the opportunity to win.
The team put in serious efforts through their offseason and during their current season, which is paying off in their favor as they maneuver throughout conference and exhibition games. As the girls continue to take on more teams throughout their season, they build their chances to make it back to the playoffs for yet another season.