The Warriors followed through with their previous promises to perform well, as giving up is not an option for the team. The Lady Warriors implemented skill, talent, and effort as they paved their way to victory. Watching them play, it was evident that their long, strenuous practices rightfully paid off. Varsity Forward, Shonteau-Trudeau Katoa (12) exclaimed, “There was so much energy on the court, and it felt as if the team was connected as one throughout the game. We knew that if a certain player needed assistance in guarding off another player, we would jump in and help her, while another player would focus on the offense.” Anything that could be done to ensure satisfying results for the team was done.

Their evident readiness allowed them to obtain the victory and show the opposing team who owned the court.  Guard Jaime Kusumoto (11) reflected, “Looking up at the scoreboard and seeing the final score, was presumably the greatest feeling. We deserved the win and it simply just goes to show how hard we work.” Captain Nicole Nitake (12), in agreement with Kusumoto’s statement, stated, “We played a great game. We were focused and ready to dominate with our positive and confident mindset and this allowed us to seize the win. We know we are a ‘tough’ team capable of winning when we set our minds to it, the important thing is translating that theory into our games, and we did just that.” The Warriors are ready to continue advancing up the scoreboards and they know that if they incorporate the same energy and skill into their upcoming game against {insert info} they have almost a guaranteed victory.

Currently holding a 7-1 record in Bay League play, the Lady Warriors are unstoppable and ready for anything that comes their way.

   Although both wins were encouraging, the victory against Animo proved to be much more substantial in regards to satisfaction. It was a home game that started with West’s intense defense which lead to a poor short-lived offensive performance from Animo. After failing to secure their gains, Amino quickly started falling back. The Warriors then kept up a savage offensive attack that had their opponent constantly on their heels pressuring them at every square inch of the field.

   Guy Rappleyea (11) and Steven Ingraham (11) both tore up the field and as well as Animo’s defense. John Lee (12) pulled a phenomenal move midgame when he fired from 25 yards to score a goal. According to the Daily Breeze, Coach Mike Shimizu stated, “You won’t see shots like [those] often.” Additionally, another aspect that secured the victory was a penalty-kick save from Christian Rahman (12) that had boosted the Warrior’s morale. Coach Shimizu stated, “The penalty-kick save was huge. We were not playing well and that was a great save. It gave us a boost and we started playing high-pressure soccer and winning balls.” At that point, Animo’s strategy completely collapsed and West capitalized to win the game.

   Against Torrance, the Warriors had a more difficult time. However, with grinding defense throughout the match, West was able to score and hold their slim single point lead until the final whistle of the referee blew. 

   Through their two preseason victories, the athletes demonstrated that their skills are sharp and refined. They hope to carry out their success throughout the regular Bay League season.

  The games were filled with exciting plays and the girls really worked together and bring home the championship. While playing against Archer Mackenzie Mullen (12) states that her favorite play was when “Lauren Kai (10) won a ball in the midfield and fed Ashley Kawaski (12) a perfect through ball which put her on the run for a breakaway and a goal!” In this gameKawasaki scored a “hat trick”.

  About the Finals game Karlee Neer (10) stated, “We knew that [the] match was going to be the biggest game so far. Both teams came out on fire and it was just a battle the [entire] time.” West High scored the first goal, but later Redondo tied up the game. The game went into penalty kicks and according to Neer, “our keepers had three great saves and they were amazing.” Neer had the fortunate opportunity of having the last penalty kick. Through the stress and pressure she scored, winning the championship for her team. She reveals, “I was the lucky kid who took the last penalty kick, so it was a pretty exciting weekend.”

  The team so far has had a great season, and is pumped for the upcoming games. The girls will continue to practice this week and work together to build their team. Keep an eye out for these girls as they are sure to keep impressing the crowd.

On Saturday, December 10th the team played against Downey High School, and won 2-0. Neer stated, “It was a very physical game and the referees were not really on our side, but we played through all the adversities and got the win.” Akubuilo recalls her favorite play of the game, “It was when Ashley Kawasaki (12), the senior captain, called for the ball, and I slipped the ball to her through two defenders and she took it straight to goal, and finished far post.” Kawasaki ended up scoring both goals for the team. Kiyomi Mitsuda (11) believed that Kawasaki’s goals were “picture perfect.”

Downey had a penalty kick, but goalie Amanda Orneals (11) saved it. Neer expressed, “It was pretty amazing! We were all so thankful that she stopped it and from then on played even harder and gave up almost no shots.” In the end the team pulled through and were all ecstatic with their first win.

Mitsuda revealed, “I believe we have a lot of talent and we are slowly starting to learn how each other play. I think soon people are going to know who we are – in a good way of course.” Akubuilo added, “I feel like there is definitely room for improvement, but I would rather start off weak and end the season strong.”

The team is fired up and feeling strong. The girls are ready for some good and well matched games.

West entered the game confident of victory, with an amazing offense. Julian Samaan (12) fired past the Knights Defensive positions to score two goals for the Warriors. Another was claimed by Daniel Colin (12), who also took advantage of the Knights initial disorder.

Other games were somewhat similar. Thursday’s game against the El Segundo Eagles tied the Warriors neck to neck in a 1-1 game, with no tie-breaker. The game looked like a goner in the beginning. However, Justin Yapelli (12)led the team, ran the ball down the field and scored into the net.

Then, on Tuesday’s game against Morningside, the team was able to defeat the Monarchs 6-1, with a massive show of force that annihilated the them. West started off a little slow, but as the game progressed, gained momentum and toppled the other other team’s defense

The Westside Tournament between four prominent soccer giants, is a preview of what to expect from the Warriors Varsity Soccer Team this year.

  A certain play that stuck out was when the other team hit what is known as a roll shot. The ball was about to fall and hit the ground when Emily Nitao (11) dived for the ball. Then Jenette Abel (12) set the ball for Rachel Barker (12) who spiked it and scored the point for the Warriors. The crowd cheered and the bench was ecstatic. It was a wonderful moment for the team and it pumped up the players to keep their energy going.

  The girls are all sad to see the season end but it was one of the best seasons they had in a while. Jessica Enos (11) mentioned how “she was so glad to be a part of the team and it was a great experience.” Kaiana McDonald (11) reminisced, “The tournament went well and it was so much fun. It really was a great way to end the season.” No one wants to finish off badly and the girls did exactly what they needed to do to powerhouse their way to the top.

  With the tournament lasting two days, the team spent the weekend soaking in activities that make volleyball the sport they love. It gave students more of an opportunity to watch their team in action.

  Next year the team will work harder and do even better. Saying goodbye to the seniors will be hard, but they played well and have left their mark on West High.

Offensive Lineman Mohammed Faqhi (11) also vocalized “We definitely had a strong hold on them throughout the game; however, to our disappointment, they overtook and ultimately beat us.” Tight end Nick Corse (12) also sided with Faqhi stating “We could have won, but the last touchdown they scored out ruled the fact. Hopefully, our next game will differ from this one.” The Varsity Team believes that their next game will play out to be a lot better, than their last two previous ones and in the end, they can prove to their fans that they are capable of victory. Kneepkens also mentioned that their main focus “is practice, hard work, and tireless effort” in order to achieve improved performance at future games. Football is a team sport, so they believe with unbounded team work in addition to the fundamentals stated above; they have a chance to redeem themselves for the future.

When next you watch the team is action, do not hesitate to cheer them on, showing them immeasurable support and helping them to win.

A determined and hardworking player, Burki’s favorite position in water polo is “set because it is one of the most important positions and the main [one] for scoring.”  Clearly, Burki has no objection to being right in the middle of all the action of a match.  Though a natural athlete, Burki explained that “the hardest part about water polo is swimming back and forth when the ball is turned over”; a logical statement seeing as water polo is a sport which requires a high level of stamina and concentration.  On the contrary, he claims that “the easiest part is playing defense because you do not have to swim very much” and it is mainly treading water in front of the goal and attempting to block the opposite team from reaching it.

Burki is not only a dedicated player in the pool.  In his free time he can be found diligently doing homework.  Only once he completes his assignments does he “try to hang out with [his] friends as much as possible.” Amazingly, it appears Burki has found the delicate balance between juggling sports, school, and his social life.

Differing from the responses of some of his previously featured teammates such as Evan Bryant (11) and Eric Nguyen (11), Burki has indeed considered pursuing water polo and volleyball in college, though his only worry is that “it is very competitive.”

As for a reflection on himself and his performance in the pool and on the court, Burki stated that “[his] personal goals are only to get better as a player and have fun while [he is] doing it!” Hopefully Burki can continue to work hard to achieve his goals.