The Lakewood Lancers are going to learn a lot about themselves very quickly this season. After opening the league season at Jordan, they have to travel to Wilson (Dec. 10) and then host Poly (Dec. 12) in the span of three days. Third-year coach Luis Turcios is making sure he isn’t putting extra pressure onto his young team.
“This year we want the girls to enjoy the high school experience,” Turcios said. “We want them to compete while having fun. Last season didn’t go as to planned because we always strive for better than fourth place.”
Lakewood did show massive improvements last year when they played Wilson to a 1-1 draw a month after losing to the Bruins 3-0 at home.
Turcios said all of his returners are important to the improvement of the team, but that senior captains Amber Sandoval, Daisy Alvarez and Ariana Moran will lead the way.
“We have a couple of freshman that are potentially starting this year in Jeissa Moran and Samantha Esparza,” Turcios said. “They both are capable of playing a big role for us.”
Lakewood won a Division 2 wild card game in Turcios’ first season, but has lost its last two playoff games by a combined score of 7-0.