The wait is finally over, the Ranger girls soccer team is back. After a long off-season following its state championship run, the girls are hungry to repeat the success of the previous year.

The largely anticipated return of the girls’ soccer team is exciting for students, coaches, and parents; however, the team is faced with a few challenges that they will face this season. One of them is the loss of a very strong senior class that included players such as Theryn Hallock and Ava Wilberding. These girls will be missed but the team is still confident in the talent they have this year.

“Losing seniors will definitely be a challenge because our entire starting line were seniors so we are going to have a whole new team,” said junior Ayla Thompson.

Another challenge the girls will face this year is their schedule. The girls play five teams that are ranked in the top 10 in their respective divisions as well as some very tough conference games. It will be a hard run, but the team looks forward to the challenge ahead. Some of their goals are to beat some of the other powerhouse teams in the division and bring home some hardware in the process.

“Our team goals this year are to go far in playoffs again, to beat Spring Lake, and have a winning season,” said junior Syd Ryan.

Going far is no easy task and it will be a long journey with many twists and turns; however, the Rangers still know that they can achieve their goals. When asked what they will need to do to accomplish these goals Ayla said, “Our team’s key to success this season is communication and working together because once we bond and get to know one another we will be able to play well together”.

To start the season, the girls are ranked 1st in the division two rankings and look to maintain this stature for as long as they can. This will be a completely new team this year with many new players who all want the same thing: A state championship. Can RGSO soccer come out on top? Fans will need to tune in this season to find out.

The girls’ first game is Friday, March 24, against Caledonia at home at 6:45 where they will look to get their first win of many this season.