Sarai Alvizo
Elena Velasquez
Seven games in, and countless hours of blood, sweat and tears, means field hockey is back in full swing, in hopes of securing their spot once more as Division 1 CIF champions. Last November, the varsity team took home the title for their first time in Mission Vista history. But the question remains: Will this years team be able to live up to last years expectations? With new captains, seniors, Kendall Golden and Jessi Dedrick, the team is hopeful that they’ll be able to come back stronger than ever with the help of their new teammates.
“As a captain, I’m made out to be a leader-not only to my varsity team but to the junior varsity (JV) and the surrounding teams we play against,” Golden said. “Becoming a captain has changed my view on both encouragement and responsibility and has made me an even better person, as well as player.”
With the new season just on it’s way, the team has new players who are equally as excited and dedicated to the game as the upperclassmen. Sophomore, Kiera Niestas shares her enthusiasm about joining the team.
“When I made varsity I couldn’t be happier because I moved up with some of my closest friends and my coach from JV. Being on varsity and competing with your teammate for a starting spot makes the team and myself ten times better,” Niestas said. “The older girls on varsity treat us so nicely and everyone gets along. We have done a couple of team dinners which is our team bonding and it’s with both Varsity and JV, so both teams become super close and I think that it makes us play better together.”
Hard work and dedication is what makes a team work so well, especially with these girls. Everyone has each other's back. Captain, senior Jessi Dedrick explains the game plan for the varsity girls to secure their title.
“We are practicing and aiming towards CIF again. This year is mind over matter, and connecting with every single player/teammate on the team is the most important thing. When we practice, we practice with a mentality that we are going to win. Play how you practice and practice how you play,” Dedrick states. “If you are not in it to win it, then what’s the point in trying. I believe everyone on this team is wanting to win CIF again, and I know we can do it!”.
These “Lady Timberwolves” are ready to play hard and snatch that championship once again this season. Come catch their next Varsity home game on September 20th at 3:15 p.m. right after school. Go Timberwolves!