By Emily Thornton, Staff Writer
The Girls Soccer program has arguably been the most dominant River Hill team for the past few years, winning the state championship three years in a row. This year, the fight is no different. Former starting goalie, Julia Caine, graduated in 2015, leaving senior Katie Caddigan in charge.
Three-year-starters Jessie Hopkins and Becca Higgins suffered ACL injuries in the spring, causing both of them to be out for the season. “It’s gonna be tough without Jessie or Becca, but we’re still gonna put up a fight. We have a lot of strong freshman on our team working hard to fill their position,” Katie Caddigan said.
“Not being able to play soccer my senior year is beyond emotional. My job this year is to keep our team’s attitude up and mentor the newer players in the best way I can,” states Jessie Hopkins.
Their current record is 4-1-1, losing only to Reservoir 3-2. Atholton looms as one of their biggest rivals. “Every single player is strong. It’s definitely going to be a challenge, it always is,” states sophomore Gracie Seybold.
They play out wide and back into the middle which has been their approach for several years, and it has clearly been successful.
Senior Caitlin O’Brien provides strength on the defensive end, but many underclassmen have been adopted this year, and the coach expects a lot from them.
“With all the freshmen it’s going to be a little harder to adjust. They’re extremely skilled and talented though so I’m sure they will get the hang of it,” states sophomore, Megan Chun. “Like me last year, they definitely feel a lot of pressure.”
They beat Linganore High School 2-1 for the state title last year, and they hope to get to States again.
“We want a 4-peat! Let’s get it!”, says sophomore Maddy Kater.