Girls’ soccer, 13-5-3 overall, who have recently become CIF LA Division 1, will be away today celebrating their seniors Ava Mehr, Izzy Mylan, and Alex Rosen in a match against University Wildcats 2-10 overall.

Despite not being able to celebrate the seniors at home it’s still, “important we celebrate them,” said junior Somer Staley, a co-captain alongside senior Izzy Mylan. 

Although the team hasn’t been able to practice as much due to the rain, the team is confident, said Staley. 

The rain the past two days also poses some issues for the Gondoliers against this match with the Wildcats, “Since it did rain the last few days and they have a turf field it might be harder to control the ball.” said Staley. 

Having gone against and beat the Wildcats before has given the team an upperhand, “Our team can definitely control the ball better than uni as well as hold onto possession longer, which definitely helps us going into future games,” said Staley. 

Still the team needs to work on their, “transitional defense that we recently developed,” Staley said. The team plans to use this method in their upcoming game against their long standing rival the Palisades Dolphins,15-1, overall on saturday. 

The majority of the team is made up of underclassmen, and it comes with its advantages

“They have time to work with each other and grow a chemistry to create a strong team,” Mehr said.

Mehr explains with the time the sophomores and juniors have together, “they will get used to each other and the team would definitely benefit from knowing one another’s play style,” 

However this also has its disadvantages.

“There are so many good youngsters that not everyone can get a lot of minutes,” said Mehr. 

Despite the differences in grade levels, the team has a strong dynamic overall.

With the seniors getting ready to close out their final season, Mehr recognizes the seniors’ efforts in leading the team.

“It is great to have a younger group to be able to build and grow the team from when we leave,” said Mehr. “I am extremely proud of how the team has come together and I genuinely couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to have spent my high school career with.”

Tomorrow, the Gondoliers will also be going against their longtime rivals, the Palisades Dolphins, 15-1 overall.