Lady Bucs Start the Season Off Right – Girls’ Soccer

December 19, 2011 • Lauren Boulger, Staff Reporter  
Filed under Sports

Over the past four years, the Mission Bay girls’ soccer program has been very successful. Having consecutively won the San Diego Central League, as well as their advance to the CIF semi-finals each of the past three years, the Lady Bucs can add Baron’s Tournament Champion to their resume. Over the past week, the Lady Bucs girls’ soccer team has been battling through the competition in the San Diego Baron’s Soccer Tournament.

Their tournament began with a disappointing tie against Serra High School, followed by two important wins over Mira Mesa and Santana, sending them to the Semi-finals. Senior Kelsey Boulger, said “Our tie against Serra was really frustrating. We played well, but as a team we kept making silly mistakes that gave them goals. But we play them two more times during our season, so we get another chance to beat them.”

Last Saturday, December 10th, the Lady Bucs played Canyon Crest Academy in the Semi-finals in the tournament. After an early own goal the Bucs were down 1-0, yet with ten minutes left in the first half, their first and second goals came. Senior Christina Burkenroad scored off a free-kick, tying the game, and again on a one-on-one with the goalie. In the second half, Burkenroad scored her third and final goal of the game, giving her a hat trick, and allowing the Lady Bucs to advance to the finals of the tournament. When asked about how she felt on scoring a hat trick, Burkenroad said, “I was really happy we won, and I am glad that I was able to contribute. The win was a team effort and it wouldn’t have mattered how many goals I scored if we weren’t able to stay strong on defense.”

In the finals, the Bucs played San Dieguito Academy. Both teams were tired from playing earlier that morning. Burkenroad commented, “The team was definitely affected by fatigue. But our ability to overcome a challenge allowed us to win. This team has a lot of heart and we showed it during that game.” Eventually the Bucs were able to push through their fatigue and scored a goal in the beginning of the second half. For the remaining time, the Lady Bucs played tough defense, not giving San Dieguito any scoring opportunities. The Lady Bucs hadn’t won the Baron’s Tournament since 2008. They had been in the finals of the tournament the past two years, but finally they were able to reclaim their title as tournament champions.

Heading into winter break the Lady Bucs are 8-0-1, and have a challenging season ahead of them. This year they were moved out of Central League and put into a newly formed, Harbor League. Kelsey Boulger said, “Everyone is really excited about the new league. It’s nice that we actually have some competition this year. Also I’m really glad we got switched into this league because it will help prepare us for CIF playoffs.” Senior Jen Davis commented that, “I think that our new league is going to be beneficial for the team. We are going to be competing against teams on our level. We get to play two of our cross-town rivalries, Clairemont and Point Loma. I’m really excited to see how we play against solid, quality teams and I can’t wait to see how our team will do in tough situations. I know that everyone on our team has a lot of talent, determination, and skill. Playing against teams in the Harbor League will just test our abilities and prove just how good we really are.” When school resumes, their league season begins, and the Lady Bucs face challenging opponents such as Clairemont, Coronado, and Point Loma.

When asked about this year’s team, senior Kelsey Boulger said, “This year’s team is great and full of potential. We have an awesome group of girls that are dedicated and hard working. I think that we are going to be very successful this year.”  Senior Jen Davis said, “I love our team this year! We are all really close, especially the returning varsity seniors. The senior girls on this team are like my sisters, and we have a bond that goes beyond just playing on the field.” Senior Christina Burkenroad said, “This year’s team has a lot of heart and will. We also have really talented individuals, but I am most proud of our ability to pull together as a team and work hard for each other.”

With a hopeful and exciting season ahead of them, the Lady Bucs are expecting a successful and happy year of soccer.

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