This past weekend, the West girls varsity soccer team had a game cancellation against Mather High School because of COVID protocols on Mather’s side. The team starts off the season at 0-2 for their conference games having conceded 10 goals within the first two conference matches. Overall the girls stand at 3-4 with 8 conference games left to play.

“We play in the most difficult conference in the state in terms of girls soccer. Four of our opponents are top 10 programs in the state and they perennially fight for sectional and state titles. This year I can see New Trier, Evanston and GBN really making a strong push for the state title. We are a young team, and we are going to use every game as a learning experience for now and for the future. We try to get better every day individually and collectively. Where we are now from where we started back in early April is like night and day.  We have a lot of potential,” head coach Milo Cejovic said.

Out of an 18 player roster, almost half of the team are underclassmen, Cejovic notes how important leadership can be for the upperclassmen who’ve had experience at the varsity level.

“Out of our 10 upperclassmen, only 3 (captains Danielle Boudakh, Stephanie Tomuta and GK Marina Stellatos) have played substantial varsity minutes prior to this season and that was 2 years ago. We didn’t have a season last year for obvious reasons. We are lacking experience big time but this team is making up for it this year big time.  Our two captains are the spine of our team and crucial to our success and growth. Tomuta is the vocal leader and mouth of the team. She brings the energy and intensity. Boudakh is the backbone of the team.  She leads by example and sets the tone every day in practice and in games with her toughness and attitude. When the whistle blows, you do not want to be in her way. When the game is over, you wouldn’t be able to find a nicer and kinder person. They are so important for us now and for the future of our program.”

Junior forward Abbey Adams is hopeful for their next match against Maine South.

“After a good couple of practices in the past week, our team has really seen improvement, I just hope we can keep this energy and get a win tomorrow,” Adams stated.

For sophomore midfielder Jillian Rudin, winning these last half of games is crucial.

“After a rocky start to the beginning of the season, the team needs to focus now more than ever. Playing Mather on Saturday would’ve put us in the right direction for that but things don’t always work out as they should, especially in times like these,” Rudin stated.

The girls are set to face off against Maine South in their 2nd away match of the season at 7:00 pm tomorrow.