Despite a 2-0 victory against Fremont in the last regular season game, the girls varsity soccer team was not able to make the Central Coast Section (CCS) league and ended their season with an overall standing of 3 wins, 10 losses and 6 ties.

According to junior goalkeeper Mikayla Rimsa, given the team’s historical record of competing in the CCS championships, it was surprising that the team did not make the CCS playoffs.

“Since Paly has been such as a strong school soccer-wise, the possibility of not making CCS didn’t even cross my mind. I was surprised that we didn’t make it. Overall, the season wasn’t (as good as) what we had hoped since there was a lot of talent on that team.”

Junior Mikayla Rimsa

Even though the record was not as good as last year’s, coach Ernesto Cruz said that the girls had more fun as a team.

“This season was a lot of fun, and I would say we had more fun than last year,” Cruz said. “We did not make (the CCS league), but I care more about if the girls enjoyed the season. And they really did.”

Rimsa agrees with Cruz and said she really enjoyed the time she spent with her coach and teammates.

“My teammates always made practices or bus rides really fun,” Rimsa said. “Our coach tried to always be positive and wanted us to succeed. With that said, I really enjoyed the season and appreciate what they have done.”

From the perspective of the head coach, Cruz said the team really did a great job developing leadership and working together as a team.

“The captains did a tremendous job, so did every player in the team. You wouldn’t know who are the seniors and who are the juniors by just looking at them. Everybody is hugging each other and talking to each other, they are all close friends.”

Coach Ernesto Cruz

Despite the unexpected result this year, Rimsa said she still plans to come back and has strong expectations on the new team next year.

“I’m excited to see what the team will be like next year because the JV team was so strong this year,” Rimsa said. “As a player, I hope to continue training and getting better so we can be stronger as a team next year.”

Cruz, however, said he has not yet made the decision to come back as a soccer coach next year, though he held the position for years.

“I don’t want to say anything yet, you know, now I kind of go year by year,” Cruz said. “Whenever I do something, I do it with a lot of love. If I choose to come back, it would be a lot of energy and a lot of time taken off from my daughter and my doggies.”