Feature Photo By: Samir Mohammed – Senior captain Mary Perez awaits another Highlands Ranch free kick after a Rangeview foul. The Raiders were defeated by the Falcons 3-1 on the Rangeview turf.
The springtime breeze has swooped in and high school girls soccer is in full effect. In the midsts of spring sports, fans say there has been intense competition and heart pounding late-night thrillers.
The lady Raiders went 7-5-2 during their 2016-17 high school soccer season, and their struggle to match that record this season is evident, many say. After being defeated in their 2017-18 season opener against Eaglecrest 3-1, the Raiders have lost three straight games before bouncing back and defeating Hinkley High School.
Many fans believe the Raiders need to defeat other league teams for the remainder of the season to help create momentum that can be transitioned into next season. The Raiders won their first game of the season on April 5th against sister school Hinkley and have been steadily fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.
However, with the 2017-18 soccer season quickly coming to an end, a new beginning comes closer for a specific lady Raider. Senior captain and four year varsity starter, Mary Perez, will continue playing soccer at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska in the fall. Many of Perez’s peers think very highly of her when she’s on the field and off it.
Dawn Weber, the varsity head coach and former Rangeview soccer player exclaimed, “It has been a pleasure to coach Mary. She is a talented player who works hard everyday to master her craft. She plays with passion and she strives to make those around her better.”
Perez has racked up 17 goals throughout her four soccer seasons here at Rangeview. Many say Perez has had a colossal influence on the success Rangeview soccer has experienced within the past few years.
“Mary has normally been one of our best players on the field even during hard games,” exclaimed Vic Strouse, the Rangeview High School athletic director and boys varsity soccer coach. “Since freshman year, she has used her skill and intellect to dominate the field .Over time, she’s become a better soccer player by improving her intellect, playing smarter, and playing together.”
To conclude their season, the girls soccer team will have to play two league opponents, the Thornton Trojans and the Prairie View Thunderhawks. With a strong finish, the girls soccer team has high hopes to transition this momentum to their 2018-19 season. Having three seniors graduating, the near future for Rangeview soccer is quite uncertain.
Their rivalry game versus Gateway is at Rangeview High School on Tuesday April 24th at 4:30pm.
For more information and to keep up with scores, click here.
