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Optimistic women’s soccer team gets ready for Redlands

Mid-fielders Jenny Zwissler and Danielle Hilligoss sandwich an Occidental player while sweeper Tori Bare gets ready to kick the ball. / photo by Ary Farajollahi
Mid-fielders Jenny Zwissler and Danielle Hilligoss sandwich an Occidental player while sweeper Tori Bare gets ready to kick the ball. / photo by Ary Farajollahi

by Rosie Sinapi
Sports Editor

Despite a slow start to the season, the women’s soccer team is ready to defeat any competitors ready for the challenge. The Leos have spent the past week re-loading and re-grouping.

The Leos lost last weekend to Occidental, 5-0, but with this week off, they plan on being a new team tomorrow against Redlands. The Leos are 1-3-1, overall, and 0-2, conference.

Zwissler admits the team has slowed down its game after having an explosive start this season, but believes after having the week off they will be better able to compete.

“They aren’t coming into the game mentally ready,” she said. “We’re going to make some key changes and that will help over the season.”

Tomorrow night’s game pits the Leos against the Bulldogs. Redlands finished last in SCIAC last season, but Zwissler says that does not guarantee a win for the Leos.

“They’re just real hard hitting. They have a pretty young squad and aggressive team,” she said.

Although Redlands has a short goalie and no threatening strikers on their team, Zwissler believes there are still improvements to be made on the La Verne side.

In order to beat Redlands, Zwissler is reorganizing her team.

“Our front line isn’t experienced enough,” she said. We can’t do anything if we can’t get the ball.”

The main change happening on the team is the replacement of forwards. Sophomores Ana Delgado and Lisa Thomas are moving from mid-fielders to forwards while junior Wendy Rock­enbaugh is moving to defense.

The players are not only changing positions, but also their mind set. Sophomore defensive player Jamey Hesler feels confidence is needed. The Leos finished fourth in league last year, but Hesler commented that a lack of confidence is preventing the team from repeating last season’s performance.

“We’ve had a rough time. We’ve gotten discouraged because we lost a few, but I think we’ll be really good this year,” said Hesler.

Rosie Sinapi, Editor in Chief
Rosie Sinapi
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“I think it is bullsh--, to be honest. I don’t know if race has anything to do with it or if the jury was actually scared to say anything, but I think there is enough evidence to convict the guy.” —Ary Farajollahi, Senior
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