The Poly girls soccer Jackrabbits suffered a devastating defeat, falling to Mater Dei in overtime in the CIF semi-finals game last Tuesday, March 3. Poly started with a strong lead, with Daria Manzano’s corner kick, which Leslie Walker took home in the 19th minute, scoring the first goal. But early on in the second half, Mater Dei showed they wouldn’t go down without a fight, and scored a goal, tying up the game. Neither team could take the win within the rest of the regulation time, so the Monarchs and the Jackrabbits headed into overtime.
It was quite the battle, but Mater Dei rose to victory, with monarch Briana Meyer scoring the last goal. It was a heartbreaking sight on the field, seeing our lady jackrabbits fall to their knees in devastation, most of which were seniors, knowing it was the last time they’d play on that field wearing that jersey. In an interview for Gazette sports, Poly’s coach Terri Collins spoke highly of her senior girls that will go out as real champions.
“These seniors changed the tide and the culture here,” Collins said. “We went into the gym and lunch and looked at a league banner with titles in 2012, 2014, and 2015.”
Our soccer seniors spoke out on their abrupt end to their high school soccer career at Long Beach Poly.
“It’s a sad moment knowing I’ll never wear a poly jersey again,” said senior Imani McDonald, goalie of four years here at Poly. “These past four years had shaped me into the person I am…they’ve taught me what it takes to overcome adversity and people’s opinion of you. I am extremely grateful for what Poly soccer has done for me.”
But even with their season ending, the Poly soccer girls know their gained experience and bond with each other will last forever.
“It was a bitter sweet moment, but mostly bitter…but we’ve accomplished so much this season and had to overcome obstacles to get as far as we did. My four years on poly soccer allowed me to build strong relationships with a group of girls that I will cherish forever,” said senior Ckelana Ceaser. The girls soccer seniors know they are going out strong with love, honor, and opportunity surrounding them.
“There’s nothing to hang our heads about. We had an amazing season, and I’m so blessed that I had this opportunity to play with some amazing girls. These four seasons have just made me become a better player because you’re playing with some amazing players and you all are doing something together you’re so passionate about,” said Manzano.
With the final CIF girls soccer game ending with a 2-1 defeat, the girls will walk away with their heads held high, ready to take on the next challenge in the soccer world awaits them.
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