The Piedmont Highlander

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The Piedmont Highlander

The Piedmont Highlander

Varsity women’s soccer celebrates senior night

Varsity+womens+soccer+celebrates+senior+night

Under the bright, shining lights of Witter Field, the varsity women’s soccer team prepared for what could be their last game on their home turf. In front of the largest crowd the team had played in front of this year, the senior players were introduced one by one and handed bouquets of flowers. The players then jogged onto the field and huddled excitedly, ready to give the seniors one last regular season hurrah.

The varsity women’s soccer team won their senior night game, beating Castro Valley 1-0 on Feb. 12.

Both Castro Valley and Piedmont exchanged near goals throughout the game, but remained scoreless until late in the game when junior Leah Kochendoerfer scored with 12 minutes remaining in the second half.

Castro Valley nearly scored an equalizing goal with six minutes remaining in the second half, but the goal was called back due to an offsides violation.WomenSoccer_byMaxLee

Head coach Dan Chubbock, who is in his eighth year with the team, said that senior night has become more and more important to the team as years pass. The primary difference this year was the competition and what was at stake for the game.

“In years past, senior night has often been against a weaker team, it’s a very relaxed game,” Chubbock said. “[If Castro Valley] wins the game, they win the league. If we can win, we stop them from winning the league. It’s a very competitive game.”

Captain senior Grace Sanford appreciated everything her teammates did for senior night, including planning a team lunch.

“All the girls did an incredible job making us feel special,” Sanford said.

Kochendoerfer felt that the seniors on the team played a key role in their success.

“All of [the seniors] welcome us and are just individuals who can really lead the team to success,” Kochendoerfer said. “They’ve made it one of their goals to get us integrated together.”

Both Chubbock and Sanford believe that the seniors serve as role models for the rest of the team.

“They’re the ones that make sure that team chemistry and right dynamic are there,” Dan said. “ They’re role models to the younger [players].”

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