The 2023 2A girls state champs, the Ridgefield Spudders, are continuing their success to open 2A Greater St. Helens League play.
The Spudders first beat the Hockinson Hawks, 5-0, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, which they followed with a 6-1 rout of the Washougal Panthers on Thursday, Sept. 19.
Spudders head coach Steven Evans believes the Spudders may have a target on their backs this season because they are the reigning title holders, but his team remains strong by focusing on one game at a time.
“The big thing that we’re trying to focus on again this year is that game-by-game mentality, right, and getting better so we can get to that point,” Evans said. “For us, we have some big shoes to fill, but we have a lot of players that I think can step up and fill those shoes. … Maybe a target is on your back because you’re state champions, but for us, we’re looking at it like, ‘Hey, a lot of things went well for us and we had some good fortune.’ It’s not going to come easy again, and so we have to keep reaching for that high level.”
Last week, junior midfielder Samantha Solis led the Spudders with three goals, including a two-goal performance against Hockinson High School. Senior forward Marlee Buffham also scored two goals against Washougal High School.
This week, the Spudders took on Mark Morris High School on Tuesday, Sept. 24, but results were unavailable by press time. They next play a key matchup at Columbia River High School at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26.
“We have a very strong league,” Evans said. “So, every game that we go into, we have to be ready. We have to play our best, and we need every player to step up, and hopefully we can develop some players during that time, too, because once you get to the playoffs, you definitely need a full squad of players ready.”
Hockinson boys soccer head coach Tony Ayala has taken command of the girls team this year, as well.
“We graduated a lot of players last year, and so they’re trying to form their own identity because only a couple of these players got minutes last year in varsity,” Ayala said. “I’m the new coach with the girls now, and, you know, we’re all trying to figure each other out, and it’s always tough to start off this way.”
After the 5-0 loss to the Ridgefield Spudders, on Thursday, Sept. 19, the Hawks defeated Woodland High School, 1-0. They played Washougal High School on Tuesday, Sept. 24, but results were unavailable by press time. The Hockinson girls next play R.A. Long High School at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at home.
