Girls’ soccer remains focused for Ocean League Championship

Muhammad Yusuf TarrStaff WriterAt 5-5-1, girls' soccer hopes to compete for the Ocean League Championship title.Captain Rachel Paris (’13) hopes to look beyond the losses the girls have amassed this year."The losses we have accumulated this year have been tough, but we played really well and with a lot of passion," Paris said.In addition to matches lost, the team has also lost several senior players this season, according to Ella Sinfield ('15)."We are saddened by the loss of some seniors we'd grown used to having around, [though] we're content knowing that they're pursuing new things that make them happier," Sinfield said.According to coach Jimmy Chapman the team members will need to become stronger players to make up for the losses."We won't be as deep, but the coaching staff has placed a real emphasis on fitness to be able to play the entire game," Chapman said.Paris believes that there is still room for team improvement."In order to improve, we have to play with a sense of urgency that has been missing all season," Paris said.Sinfield agreed with Paris, as she believes that there are some points that the team needs to work harder on."Our team has not been playing up to our greatest potential, but we are ready and prepared to turn our season around," Sinfield said. "The team is looking forward to reclaiming our rightful title from Beverly."According to Chapman the girls have a slight chance in the Ocean League championships depending on different factors. Since Samo lost to Beverly and Culver, Samo's chance in the Ocean League championships are dependent on if either Beverly or Culver lose their games. If Beverly and Culver lose their games, there will be another game in which Samo plays them to see which team will be represented in the championships."We are the strongest team skill-wise in league, [but] as any coach will tell you, you have to earn every win," Chapman said. "You can't just show up and expect to win. We have not been as consistent as the coaches would like. We play well but seem to come up short against tougher opponents. Against weaker opponents, we struggle to play well but end up winning. I would like the same effort and result for all our games: playing well and winning."Although dealing with frustrations, the team has grown with a stronger bond since the beginning of the season."We are starting to gel and build chemistry," Chapman said. "I believe with hard work we will be successful and peak when it matters."Sinfield feels that their struggles can be mended and that the team's strong bond will help foster a supportive environment."We have definitely grown more together as a unit since the season started, which is definitely a key component," Sinfield said.mytarr@thesamohi.com