On Tuesday, January 6th, the varsity soccer team held its annual beloved senior night against Immaculata-La Salle High School. With 9 seniors making up the team, it was a night filled with sisterhood and triumph celebrating the past four years for these 9 athletes. The seniors include Lorena Alvarez, Ariana Gonzalez, Jessica Lee, Nicole Lee, Andrea Muelle, Maia Lorenzo, Katie Tamargo, Cecilia Rodriguez, and Catherine Esquijerosa.
“I can’t believe that it was my senior night; it feels so special to be in the mentor role to the rest of the team,” senior captain Nicole Lee said.
Prior to the game, the underclassmen members of the team were assigned a specific senior for whom they decorated posters and made baskets for the girls. This surprise was the perfect beginning to a night celebrating seniors who have impacted the younger members of their team and continue to leave their legacy on the future of soccer at Lourdes.
“Making the baskets and filling the posters with pictures was so fun and reminded me how much I look up t0 and aspire to be the seniors,” sopho
more goalie Cheeky Baena said.
Then prior to game time, each senior walked with their parents as fans, friends, and family eagerly cheered on each girl. The game also featured a packed student section. Flowers and colorful posters lined the stands as fellow senior friends attending the game supported their friends.
“I loved watching my friends doing what they love, and it’s crazy to believe this is our senior night,” senior Olivia Iraola said.
As the game clock started, there was a powerful moment as senior Andrea Muelle started the game and kicked the ball once before being subbed out due to her torn Achilles. The simple moment allowed her to participate in her final home game and senior night. The team on the field then ran over and hugged her, which erupted applause from the crowd. The moment symbolized the bond formed by the dedicated group of seniors over the past four years.
“Being able to play those couple of minutes with her after playing with her for 10 years was so memorable because it would be the last chance to be on the field by her side,” senior Maia Lorenzo said.
The game started with an early first-quarter goal for the Bobcats by senior Cecilia Rodriguez. Following this, La Salle answered back with a goal, but it would be their one lone goal for the night. Lourdes finished the first quarter up 3-1 and would maintain this lead till the end.
“Winning our last home game felt so magical, and I truly cannot wait to finish
off the season with this great group of girls,” senior Cecilia Rodriguez said.
The nine seniors have truly left their mark on Lourdes for years to come, and this senior night is just another feat in an already unforgettable season. The team is chasing the coveted state championship trophy, which they hope to accomplish this season. Until then they capped off their last regular home game with a victory.
