Girls Varsity Soccer Brings Experience, Energy And Determination To New Season
As the school year starts up, one team that is excited to begin their season is the Schreiber girls varsity soccer team. The Vikings will have 16 returning players from last year’s team under the direction of Head Coach Lauren Bishar and Assistant Coach Sade Ayinde.
The girls are seeking to build on last year’s successful run, where they lost in the second round to MacArthur 1-0. Despite finishing 4-8-2 overall, where they went 3-6-2 in Double A Conference 1, the team finished fifth out of the seven team division and got to the second round of the playoffs. Regardless of their record in the conference, Bishar and the Vikings are happy with the team’s success a year ago. Their mission this year will be to duplicate their success or perhaps play deeper into the postseason.
“I would love to win a conference championship,” said Bishar. “If not there, then I would love to finish top four, make it into the second round of the playoffs and go as far as we can.”
Among those returning players, the team has an intriguing mix. The upperclassmen consist of seven seniors and two juniors while there are eight sophomores and seven freshmen. This squad also has four sets of siblings, which shows how much range, chemistry, depth and experience they bring to the table.
“This year’s team is a great group of girls,” said Bishar. “Aside from their talent, they are very determined and overall a great group of girls.”
The team’s strength lies in their experience and team balance. With 16 returning players, these girls know how to play their way in a grueling season, let alone a tough Conference 1 level. The way the team is structured, they know what their expectations are and what has to be done to compete year in and out. The coaching staff is also very optimistic about seeing the new freshmen and sophomore players coming in and contributing on the big stage with the returning stars.
Speaking of balance, the Vikings have a variety of girls to pick and choose from. The team captains are seniors Emma Cisneros, Catalina Salvatierra and Ashley Randall.
Cisneros and senior Olivia Fetherston make up a dynamic pair as forwards. They do most of the scoring for the Vikings. Randall and Salvatierra round up the defense. Randall is a defensive centerback who Bishar describes as “very strong, physical and vocal.” Salvatierra is also very strong on the back and is not afraid to get in on the attack. She also serves a great ball in the box. At midfield, the team banks on sophomore Rebecca Rosen, and juniors Casey Cybriwsky and All State player Rachel Rosen.
“They really connect the defense and attack,” said Bishar. “We play through them most of the time.”
One small area of concern is the injuries at crucial times last season. From midseason on, it really played a role in the Vikings coming up short. This year they look to remain healthy throughout the year.
Competition will stem from a couple of teams but Bishar had three that came to mind. “Massapequa is always strong and MacArthur always gives us a run for our money,” said Bishar. East Meadow should be a strong team again and hopefully we can be up there with them.”
All things considered, the Vikings are aiming to have another successful soccer campaign. They made it to the second round last year and expect to repeat if not top last year’s run by playing deeper into the playoffs. Could a county championship let alone a run to the states become a reality for Port Washington this season? With the talented combination of youth and veterans they hold, it’s possible. The team and staff are excited and very enthusiastic to begin their year with the hope of playing for a championship and beyond.
“I had these girls for a long time, and they really built the program to where it is,” said Bishar. “They are a great group of girls and they make it fun every day.”
