As basketball executive and former Los Angeles Lakers coach, Phil Jackson once said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

And with the season the players on the girls soccer team just had, the players could not have accomplished all they did this season without the contribution from every single player.

The girls team had made it to states last week and won the first game 2-1 against Martinsburg Central (qualifying them for the quarterfinal game).

Senior forward Madison Mummert gave the inside scoop on pregame, strengths and weaknesses of the game, and practices.

“To keep our minds right on the way up to the game we were listening to music and getting really pumped and focused,” said Mummert.

Obviously one of the biggest keys to success is the constant repetition of one’s skill. Mummert continued to give the inside scoop on how the team prepared for their game in the first round of states, as well as their strengths and weaknesses during the game.

“We split defense and offense and worked on our own positions. Practice was very focused and broken down into the specifics… during the game we had possession and control of the ball most of the time. However, we had a lot of opportunities to score but we just could not finish… that’s definitely something we’re gonna have to figure out in the quarter-finals,” said Mummert.

The quarter-final game took place this past Saturday in Altoona, against Mercyhurst Prep. After a 0-0 standoff, the warriors fell in a heartbreaking fashion… 7-6 in penalty kicks.

Senior goalie and captain Ashley Stone has emotional memories about the team’s journey.

“Obviously losing in the quarter-final game and ending our season was emotional, but I could not be prouder of how far our team has come. I’ve learned a lot, my teammates have learned a lot, everybody has come so far since the beginning of the season, and I could not be more thankful to be a part of this team. We’ve suffered a lot, and we have prevailed a lot… I’m never going to forget my time playing here the past four years,” said Stone.

Through ups and down, through tears and cheers, the girls soccer team has nothing to hang their heads about.