Girls Soccer Welcomes Stevenson in Home Opener

December 11, 2025

Friday, 5-Dec-25

Cate GVS 0 – 1 Stevenson School

Saves: Kirra Tanaka (6), Mimi Power (3)

Our opening game was one of those soccer matches where the scoreboard doesn’t quite reflect the reality on the field.  It was a very even game, and I’m obviously biased, but our group (in their new blue uniforms) looked really good.  Maybe even better than the other team.  I was proud of our ability to connect passes while under pressure, which was one of our main objectives.  The team tallied over 120 completed passes with Precious Adjei, Fiona Pan, and Amelia Riepe leading that stat, each with over 15 completed passes to their name.  Our other objective was to drive in open space and take on opponents directly in 1v1 scenarios.  I want to recognize Violet Guilbert-Neal for beating her defender in this way so spectacularly on the right side and Tania Molina’s similar efforts on the left.  Defensively, we worked to delay rather than tackle, and while we still have work to do finding our shape in the back after the loss of last year’s graduates, I was so pleased by the talent and resilience on display led by Lauren Hubbs, Amelia Riepe, and Analise Gomez.  We got to welcome new varsity players to the pitch for the first time: Mimi Power (GK), Kirra Tanaka (GK), Alaia Muller (F), and Sierra Montoya (D).  They each played with confidence in their respective positions including a crucial save by Mimi after a direct kick was awarded on the top of the box (phew!). I’ve been impressed by our team’s attitude and effort so far this season. They are deeply committed to the game and to each other.  So while an early loss is an emotional blow, this group has more than enough tenacity to overcome the hurdle.  And they will have to because we play three games next week. They are all home at 3pm, and they are against: Thacher on Tuesday, St. Bonaventure on Thursday, and the Carpinteria Warriors on Friday.  I hope none of us have last period classes… Until then, Ewenited!