The women’s varsity soccer team is in the midst of a satisfactory season, with 4 wins and 4 losses.

     COVID-19 has caused an unpredictable season, turning a usual 26-27 game season into one with only 14 games, all but one being conference games.

     “Having limited time to play is hard on us when it comes to learning what we are good at and what needs to be worked on. Usually, we would use non-conference games to see how we work as a team. This season we [have had] to adapt and work on things along the way,” senior outside back and forward Natalie Croal said. 

     The team lost to Cuthbertson 2-1, Weddington 6-2, Charlotte Catholic 2-0, and Marvin Ridge 2-0. They also played a non-conference scrimmage against Community School of Davidson and lost 3-1. Their losses are attributed to a lack of communication and aggressiveness as well as disorganization of which their opponents took advantage.

      However, when they exercise their communication and organization skills, they find themselves getting dubs. They beat Parkwood 5-2 and again 4-2, Monroe 9-0, and Piedmont 4-0.  They have communication, camaraderie and creative passes to thank for these wins.

      “We are doing well in adjusting quickly. We are pretty much a new team, and we have to learn each other quickly, especially in our conference with high-intensity, high-pressure games. Some players are starting and playing big minutes in positions they have very little experience in, but I think we are doing well adapting and adjusting to what we need to do for the team,” senior center back Patricia Barnes said.

     But, with the season starting so abruptly with few non-conference games to work out the kinks in their system, the team has some things to work toward.

     “Communication is always something that can be improved. The team chemistry is still growing, but I have confidence it will get there. We also need to work on being more aggressive. Our team is filled with probably the nicest people I’ve ever met, but when it comes to the game, it’s important to put the niceness aside and not be afraid to knock some people over,” Barnes said.

     Regardless of challenges, many players are thriving this season and excelling at the sport.

     “My teammates [sophomore] Bella Kaplan and [junior] Karla Artolozaga are the top goal scorers in our conference,” Croal said.

     The team has also had to adapt to a new coach this season, and head coach Kash Knight has had to adapt to a new team as well. 

     “This season is much different for me,” Knight said. “I [came] from Piedmont HS and the program there had to be rebuilt from the ground up. Here at SVHS, we have the athletes, so it is my job to build culture. It has also been different playing conference only. We play in the toughest 3A conference in the state, so each game was a battle.”

     Not only are the players succeeding on the field, but they are building friendships and bonds off the field as well.

     “The best part of this group is the fun they have. There are many moments I look over and see them all laughing and cutting up. That is something I look for from a distance from a team. At the same time they know when it is time to focus, we do. I really am optimistic for this team and the chemistry that they can build to help us down the road,” Knight said.

     The team’s next game is Mon. April 19 at home against Monroe.