Q&A: With an undefeated record, girls’ soccer looks forward to postseason

Junior+Shalia+Sehgal+advances+the+ball+up+the+field+during+the+Varsity+Girls+Soccer+game+on+Sep+10.

Joe Lamburn

Junior Shalia Sehgal advances the ball up the field during the Varsity Girls’ Soccer game on Sep 10.

Ellie O’Connor, Assistant News Editor
October 25, 2022

Led by senior captains Mia Lochhead and Sadie Candela, the girls’ soccer team has had a successful regular season with a record of 10-0-6 as of Oct. 25, and they have high hopes for the upcoming postseason. 

Lochhead attributes this season’s success to the team’s bond and unique strategies they have developed. She reflects fondly on the season as the team prepares for the postseason.

What has led to your team having a strong season thus far?

“This year, we’ve changed our style of playing. We transitioned to a more direct game. Instead of moving [the ball] up the field and everybody trying to get it all at once, we have started to connect all parts of the field and work together. By playing more side-to-side, it’s helping us move the ball up the field easier.”

What is your team dynamic like?

“The dynamic is really good. It’s a bigger team than we’re used to, but everyone is just so close and so supportive of one another. We have a very positive environment this year.”

What players have especially stepped up this season and how?

“I think everyone on the team has a different role. Maybe you’re a starter, or maybe your time is going to come next year, but everyone is just there for each other no matter what. Everyone is stepping up at practice and being a present part of the team. I feel like rather than just one person standing out, it has been the whole team putting their best foot forward.”

What’s coming up for the team and how are you feeling about the postseason prospects?

“As of right now, we have two games left, and I feel that we are going to do really well in those games. Our goal is to continue going undefeated this season, which is still possible, so that’s amazing because we have never been able to do that, at least during my time here. Right now we’re number one in the [Central Massachusetts] division, so we are looking to win the C-Mass tournament. As for the state championship, we are just trying to continue to move up the ladder because our ultimate goal is to win states, and we’re feeling really good about it.”