Stagg Line <![CDATA[Stagg Line]]> http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_npggb3555sn2ap55zr1jtuva_bd9679b6-0b0a-4b5a-8fe9-05b85d93bc75_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:42:13 GMT 15 <![CDATA[Despite their losses team progresses with lead player]]> By Dawn Griep

Maly Boonsalat
On April 4 in their game against St. Mary's, Stagg varsity soccer team struggles to score a goal while senior Alyssa Magana rushes to pass the ball to her teammates.

Their preparation is the same. Their season is predictable. Their motivation is constant. However, the way they overcome their adversity sets them apart from the rest. “We were always the clown team,” said Kylie Gacer, sophomore. But when they stepped out on that field, they were serious. After having three different coaches in four years, Christopher Viri, first year varsity head coach, led the team to third place in league. “I feel they overachieved,” Viri said, referring to the inconsistency of the coaching for the team. They were “a team built around one player.” When the girls lost the “heart” of their offense, senior Breana Brockl, the team had to regroup and plan the season without her.  As Brockl reluctantly sat out her senior year, she maintained her positive attitude and continued encouraging her team. Even though the team suffered a major loss when Brockl tore a ligament in her knee before league had started, it opened opportunities for other leaders to emerge.He “definitely thought of me to lead the team,” Gacer said.  As she gradually accepted her new role as one of the leaders, Gacer, along with Alyssa Magana, 4-year varsity player, became an offensive powerhouse. In what Viri calls one of two highlights of the season, Gacer helped encourage the team to a 3-1 win by scoring two goals. The previous face-off with West ended in a devastating loss, 5-1, but added to their desire for revenge. ]]> Fri, 15 May 2009 16:00:49 GMT