McNeil’s Girls Varsity Soccer Team faced off against Vista Ridge on Friday Feb. 28 where they played a difficult and memorable game. Although the Lady Mavericks didn’t bring home a win, they brought back something greater, a strong connection.
One of the best games this season, the Lady Mavericks played their hardest ending the game with a score of 3-1. Junior center back, Abby Pauwels, defended her team knowing they could play better than ever with teamwork.
“This game was probably the best we have played as a team so far this season. We were connected the whole time and we had lots of chances on goal. We were tied 0-0 until the last 5 minutes of the first half when they got a very unlucky goal on us. After a very positive halftime talk from our coach, we went back out there and worked as hard as we could.” Said Pauwels.
Although the Mavericks struggled on the scoreboard, the team’s performance gave players hope.
“We had many chances on goal with Dayana Tellez scoring a penalty. In the end we lost 3-1, but the score didn’t match how we played against them. It was a much closer game than what the score shows, and I think we played so well together that we will use this momentum into winning our next games.”
Although down by three in the first half of the game, they continued to work hard and motivate each other not to give up until the last whistle. Finally, with two minutes left in the game, center back Dayana Tellez scored their first goal of the night during a penalty shot.
“When we conceded the goals, you could see the team never gave up. We kept working hard and we even stepped it up, which we were rewarded with a goal from Dayana.” Said Pauwels. “We kept our heads up and continued to work as a team even when things got tough.”
Although they could not secure a win, the Lady Mavericks presented their growth as a team. Showing that winning is not all that matters in sports, but connection and highlighting development as a family.
“The team has grown through connections.” Said Pauwels. “At the beginning of the season everyone knew each other, but through team dinners and bonding, we have all grown closer to the point where we see each other as family. This also helps with our gameplay and keeps us all on the same page.”
The team’s connection is evident as they enter every day with the mentality of improvement and making core memories.
“I see these girls and my coaches as my family and we all go through everything together. Whether it’s a tough loss or it’s an amazing win, we will all keep working hard at practice and find ways to improve so we can have those unforgettable moments together.” Said Pauwels.
The Lady Mavericks know taking this loss and using it as motivation is the greatest superpower for future successes through their bond and self development.
“For myself I am going to continue to work hard in training and work on being able to see the moments when I can dribble up from the back.” Said Pauwels.
However, there is reason for celebration, as the Mavs have continued to see improvement during the early course of the season.
“For the rest of the season I am looking forward to seeing how we grow as a team. I think these last two games we played were the best we have done this whole season, and I can’t wait to see how we use what we have learned from these last games, in the rest of our games for the season.” Said Pauwels.
The Girls Varsity Soccer Team will hit the field again this Friday at Cedar Ridge to take on the Raiders playing not just as a soccer team, but as a family.
