On Tuesday March 4th, 2014, West High’s Girl’s Varsity soccer team faced Hart High School in the semi-finals of CIF playoffs. It was an intense game with a final score of 1-0, with Hart taking the victory.

Right defender, Samantha Layman (10) recollected, “We played our hearts out and gave it our all. We were more controlled in the other games. In the last fifteen minutes we were kind of rushing to get the ball up and score instead of settling down and just passing.” In agreement with Layman, teammate and forward Emily Atkinson (10) explained, “We fought hard but our shots just didn’t go in. This game was mental for some of us. For other games, it wasn’t as much.” She continued, “I think I didn’t play as well as I could have. I let the game get in my head, so it was all mental for me.”

Forward Chidera Akubuilo (12) stated, “I think this game was more emotional because it meant more to us. Emotions were too much. I gave it my all, but when things are going, it’s hard to think.” Defender Tianalese McCracken (11) commented, “It was the first game that I really felt compassionate about and my hope to win it was something that I had never felt before.” It’s a major accomplishment making it this far in the CIF finals. McCracken added, “I think they played with everything they had and never gave up.”

Despite an emotional end to their season, the girls tried their best and supported each other until the end. Due to the hard work, West Girl Soccer Varsity team went far this year. Go Warriors!