Lady Rangers nab 4th Frontier League soccer title
by Misty Volaski

Nordhoff's varsity girls' soccer team did what many people said couldn't be done -- for the fourth year in a row, the Lady Rangers took the Frontier League title.
The title was confirmed after Wednesday's win against Malibu, 5-0. It was Nordhoff's eighth shutout in the past 21 games.
But the pressure was on -- the Rangers knew they had to win the game to be Frontier League champions and go undefeated in league. And the Rangers' last game versus the Sharks was what coach Pete Christl deemed a Ranger "wake up call. We showed up with too much confidence," he said. Nordhoff made it out of the game, winning in overtime, 2-1.
However, this time, Nordhoff went out with more concentration and skill. As a result, they were a dominating force, keeping the ball in Ranger control for much of the game.
Midfielder Ally Taylor led the Rangers in goals, knocking in two, while junior Joey Vega, freshman Ana Levin and senior Adi Miller each added a goal of their own. Sophomore Monica Kenton scored no goals but was able to assist two goals.
Heading up the defense was sweeper Cattoni, who "collected balls and started the attack from the back," coach Pete Christl said.
The win means much more than another banner in the Nordhoff gym, however.
Now, four-year starters Kelsey Gartrell and Cattoni can say they finished their high school soccer careers undefeated in league. Chantal Silver and Jessica Rigali, both three-year varsity players, will graduate with the title as well.
Though the Rangers will say goodbye to seven seniors, including captains Cattoni and Rigali, they leave behind a string of great players.
As the only freshman on the team this year, Levin showed her true potential, taking command of the ball as a forward.
Kenton has been Nordhoff's saving grace in more than one game. Whether shooting a goal in the last minutes of the game, or feeding the ball to other forwards, she will definitely be a player to watch over the next few years.
"The girls have really responded to challenges. There was an excellent chemistry this year. Hopefully it will help us in the playoffs," Christl commented.
Nordhoff will go into the playoffs with a 6-0 league record, and a 15-4-2 record overall.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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