The MVHS girls soccer team kicked off their 2024 season with a commanding 8-0 victory over Westmont on Dec. 3.
“It was a good, positive start,” head coach Jeff Panos said. “It’s all you can ask for in the first game of the season.”
The Spartans took early control of the match with freshman Charlotte Higgins making an immediate impact in her varsity debut. Higgins assisted senior Kalea Dwelle on three goals in the first half. Junior Sophia Cieslicki added to the lead with a goal off a rebound in the 40th minute, sending the Spartans into halftime with a 4-0 advantage.
The Spartans dominated possession throughout the game, maintaining control of the ball in Westmont’s half. Panos highlighted the performance of sophomore Ciara Riciputi, who he said was able to create opportunities in the midfield and pass the ball well.
The Spartans continued to carry their momentum into the second half. Senior Alexandra Markova and Riciputi scored back-to-back goals in the 43rd and 45th minutes to extend the lead to six. Junior Sasha Zinn converted a penalty in the 56th minute, and junior Josephine Gupta capped off the scoring in the 64th minute with a goal off a pass from junior Chloe Savage.
“This is only game one of 20, so I think we’ve got to look forward,” Panos said. “But the possession and scoring were on, so there is a lot to build off of.”
