Girls soccer concludes playo run

By A lex Dinh e girl’s soccer team lost to Hart 1-0 in the Division 2 CIF Southern Section championship at College of the Canyons on Feb. 24 and then lost to San Marcos 2-0 in the Division 2 CIF regional semi nals March 2. e team nished their season as Mission League Champions with an overall record of 16-7-3, going 5-2 in the playo s and 8-1-1 in league play.

Program Head Richard Simms said the team overcame many obstacles and ultimately grew closer together throughout the season.

“ is group overcame a lot of adversity throughout the season, and they were really impressive in their ability to do that,” Simms said. “I truly believe that in my 18 years at Harvard-Westlake, this was the most that a team has ever improved.” is year, the team had a much younger lineup, as seven out of the 11 starters were either ninth or 10th graders. Simms said he is grateful the team got to play so many playo games because it will help the young players grow for the future.

“We got the opportunity to play seven playo games, which is a lot,” Simms said. “I think these games are going to help these younger players in the future, as they’ll be really prepared for those big moments.”

Defender and Team

Captain Dani Lynch ’23 said the team grew closer together throughout the season, which helped them during their important playo games.

“In the playo s, we showed how, even with many injuries, we just push through,” Lynch said. “It showed how this team progressed over the course of the year.”

Lynch is committed to play Division 1 soccer at Clemson in the fall. She said she is excited to continue to showcase her skills at the next level.

“In addition to playing with my sister, I am also excited to grow as a player and be at the best of my ability,” Lynch said. “I just want to go and be gritty when I play in college. It’s just everyone showing o what they have and I feel like that is the best part of it.”

Forwards Kaia Santomarco-King ’26 and Vicky Pugh ’25 led the team in goals scored. Simms said he is excited to see them grow as players over the next few years.

“It’s gonna be exciting to watch [Santomarco-King and Pugh] grow,” Simms said. “ ey both still have so much potential. e sky is the limit for them.”