With a starting line-up comprised primarily of talented freshmen and sophomores, the Bonita Vista High School girls soccer team should be in the Mesa League title hunt for the next several years. Enthusiastic new head coach Ryan Marquez has liked what he has seen during recent matches and on the practice field.
“It’s a young team, but they work very hard,” he said. “Even if I didn’t push them, they would be out here working. Being young, they make mistakes at times, but we are (developing into) a good team. It’s a very tough league with (returning champion) Hilltop, Eastlake and Otay Ranch, but we should be in the hunt.”
Senior defender Lauren Boyd and junior midfielder Jenna Yutus, both of whom received all-league honors a year ago, team as captains and will provide leadership this year. Much of the Barons’ success thus far has been built around their solid defense.
Sophomore Courtney Langseth and Coco Guerrero will split time in the goal. In front of them, sophomore sweeper Daria Magee, another all-league honoree, is flanked by Boyd on the left and Kassie Castillo on the right. Juniors Taylor Gilstrap and Alyssa Gonzales and senior Paulina Reyes should see action as well.
“Our defenders have good size and speed,” said Marquez, whose team sported a 6-3-4 record entering Mesa League play. “I think we have earned four shutouts so far, so they have done well.”
Dynamic freshman playmakers Kianna Brevig and Aleena Cruz have both demonstrated skill and creativity in the midfield. The aforementioned Castillo will see substantial time in the midfield as will Briana Cosio and Devon Roncoroni. Senior Christina Steeg and junior Alexys Morales provide additional midfield depth.
“Our midfield will be a strength,” the BVHS coach said. “We will rotate several players in and out of there to keep everybody fresh.”
Leading goal scorer Nicole Ballez heads an attack line that includes Vanessa Davalos and at times Alyssa Cruz, Jennifer Ballez and the versatile Kassie Castillo.
“We got off to a great 4-0 start which was good for our confidence,” Marquez said. “Our draw against a tough Rancho Bernardo team showed us that we can compete with the teams from the North County. Having won the league title two years in a row, Hilltop has to be the league favorite, especially since they have most of their players coming back. But we, along with Eastlake and Otay Ranch should be in it.”
