Giddiness permeates the locker room at Fischer Field. Plopped on the cool floor as they laugh and joke about the school day, players strap on shin guards and stretch on socks. Outside, coach Robin Montano tapes ankles as players rest against the railing. Game day.

Against rival McPherson April 30, the girls narrowly lost the game 1-0, yet coach Galen Anderson said the team displayed a much stronger performance this season.

"It wasn’t surprising to me that we were able to limit their offensive attack," Anderson said. "The seniors were determined to let Mac know that they were in for a tough, physical game."

The girls have focused on moving in complete units on the field, avoiding holes or gaps in formations. The team does drills to work on maintaining possession of the ball.

"We’re in the tough central region," Anderson said. "We’re looking to compete as hard as we can."

When playing opponents like Maize who possess, pass and anticipate well, the girls recognize the stronger players and mark the star players.

"We’re still trying to win every game," junior Celeste Blann said. "(We) take it game by game."

To keep the ball away from goal, the team developed various formations. One of the three formations includes three forwards up top to heat up the offensive pressure.

"We just want to compete with the other team," senior captain Jessica Davis said, "be able to match their aggression."

Generating offense has been the biggest challenge for the team this season. The girls have improved communicating and distributing more accurate passes.

"I have no problem with our effort or work ethic," Anderson said. "These young ladies are giving me everything they have."