The girls soccer team has a great deal of momentum this season with a phenomenal record of 8-1-1 and 71 goals scored in ten games while opponents scored only 3.

The team’s success comes in spite of 10 seniors graduating last year, bringing younger players onto the field. 

Head coach Maranda Sullivan says team chemistry has been the key to this season’s success. 

“If there’s one thing that I’ve noticed with this team this year is we’re hungry, we’re motivated and we’re ready to win.” she said. “I’m asking for the best from them as a coach, but I’m also having those players show up as well and demanding the same from [each other.]”

Sullivan also thanked the younger players who are inspired by their captains and teammates to improve.

In 10 games, Beachwood has scored 71 goals. Sophomore Zoe Walters has scored 9 goals, which is team highest this season, while communication between defenders and the goalkeeper Morgan Jackson has kept opponents from finding easy chances, helping to secure 7 shutouts in 10 games.

Their aggressive game makes it difficult for opponents to stop them. 

Senior Captain Alissa Monahan is proud of the growth she’s seen this year. 

“It was a little intimidating this year and nerve-racking to come into a fresh new team after we graduated 10 seniors, but everyone works well together,” she said. “This year we’re really focusing on communication and slowing our passes down.”

Still, the players know there is a long season ahead. They will face tougher opponents in upcoming matches like the rivalry game against Orange this Wednesday and Lutheran West on Saturday. 

The team is focusing on staying sharp and keeping the chemistry strong. 

Coach Sullivan said the group understands what it takes to keep improving. 

“Their mentalities are different from last year,” she said. “Their soccer playing is different… [they’ve shown] growth, and as a coach that is all you could hope for.” 

She also enjoys seeing the players take pride in their wins. 

“After the wins, it’s nice to see smiling faces,” she said.

After the loss to Fairview, players also learned the importance of getting back on their feet.

Monahan emphasizes that everyone on the team has the ability to lead. 

“Everyone’s a captain on the team, the only difference is that someone wears a band and has the ability to talk to the refs, but everyone has the ability to be a leader,” she said.

The record shows that everyone on the team is in fact stepping up to support one another.  

The girls are scheduled to play rival Orange tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.