Women's Soccer Update

Last Friday, October 23rd, the lady Giants defeated conference opponent West Hills, at home, 2-0. The two goals were shot by Freshmen Lynzee Gilliand and Karina Araujo (Mission Oak) who were both assisted by Marisa Porter, also a freshmen. At home, they have won 3 out of their 7 home games at the Visalia Riverway Sports Park. For the lady Giants, home is where the heart is as they have outscored their opponents 18-14. Forward Lynzee Gilliand, Tulare Union alum, has tallied a score of 7 goals at home, averaging at least one goal per home game. Marisa Porter, also a Tulare Union graduate, has scored 3 goals as well as contributing 2 assists at home.

At their first home game, on September 10th, the Giants shut out Merritt 7-0. In teamwork like fashion, 7 ladies contributed in either scoring and assisting throughout the game. Lynzee Gilliand scored 2 goals which were assisted by Freshmen Briana Hoble (Clovis East) and Alyssa Pratt (Redwood). Freshmen Midfielder Ashlyn Fagundes (Hanford) also scored 2 goals which were assisted by standout Lynzee Gilliand. Alyssa Pratt was assisted by Ashley Tobias (Tulare Union) for another Giant goal. Freshmen Laura Montes (Fowler) and Stephanie Alba-Rimer (Farmersville) were the other two Giants to score that day assisted by Alyssa Pratt and Sophomore Jazmine Galvan (Woodlake).

The Giants went on to have two more shut out games against West Hills of Lemoore, on October 6th and on the 23rd. On the 6th, the Giants defeated West Hills 4-0. Leading the Giants was Marisa Porter with 2 goals, one of which was assisted by Freshmen Kristen Castellanoz (Tulare Union). Also adding points to the scoreboard that day were Lynzee Gilliand, assisted by Freshmen Karlee Price (Mission Oak) and Jazmine Galvan who was assisted by Laura Montes. 

With such a young team, Coach Osama Hamid stated, "It has been a learning experience for the freshmen but the sophomores have been a great help." Out of the 25 women on the roster, 20 of them are freshmen. Strongly motivating and leading this young team is Sophomore Goalkeeper, Anna Covarrubias of Lemoore High School.

As the season begins to wrap up, Coach Hamid expects the players to "work at a high rate at every session, game, and meeting, as well as being dedicated to the team and their own growth as a person and player." They put a strong emphasis on teamwork, discipline and work ethic which has shined at their shutout games.

The Giants will face three conference opponents over the remaining season; Taft, Fresno, and West Hills in the next two weeks. Tuesday, November 10th, will be the last home game for the Giants at the Riverway Sports Park against Fresno City at 3:00pm.

The lady Giants travel to Taft this Thursday, October 29th, where they will face their conference opponent at 1:00pm.