Carlmont Varsity Girls Soccer heads into their Central Coast Section (CCS) head opener this Wednesday with or without their starting sweeper Olivia Manzanares.
Manzanares pulled her hamstring against Woodside High School two weeks ago and attended her first practice since then on Monday.
“I have been icing and resting my knee as well as doing physical therapy. My first day back was really good and I was happy to be on the field again,” said Manzanares.
Center-halfback Charlotte Jackman said, “At first it was difficult adapting without Olivia because we were used to having her in the back line, but then we had some really talented players step up in her place.”
Carlmont suffered from the loss of Manzanares, but was quick to bounce back with a new replacement.
Since the injury, junior Joanna Hendriksen has stepped into Manzanares’ role. Hendriksen normally plays center halfback for Carlmont, but is experienced with the back line.
Assistant Coach Emily Cox said, “Olivia was a giant piece in stabilizing our defense, but the girls stepped up for the team. Joanna has a very high soccer IQ and has quickly become a leader in our back line.”
“It wasn’t hard to move to sweeper, since I’ve played it before. But I was nervous because it has been a while since I’ve played,” said Hendriksen.
After her first practice back Manzanares felt well rested and said, “I am really hoping to get some playing time on Wednesday’s game.”
“My expectations for CCS are high because of the skill that we have on this years team. Though, it is up to the girls to implement everything they have learned to be successful,” said Cox.
Carlmont ended in third place in the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) division and is ranked as the fourth seed for CCS. The Scots are favored to beat Salinas in tomorrow’s CCS opener.
Forward Soha Said said, We have such a solid hard working team this year, and I expect us to go all the way to the finals and win.”
Forward Simone McCarthy said, “You have to play each game like its the championship because CCS is single elimination. Just because Salinas is ranked lower than Carlmont doesn’t mean we can go out slow.”
