Youth Soccer: Highlighters take division title with undefeated run

The Highlighters, a girls’ 10-and-under Recreation League from Region 57, Corona del Mar, capped off an undefeated regular season run last weekend with a 6 -1 victory in the title game at Lincoln Elementary.

The Highlighters went 10-0 during the regular season in Region 57, and outscored opponents, 46-5.

They then went through the league playoffs allowing just one goal, which came in the final, and earned the right to represent Region 57 as its top girls’ U-10 seed in Area Q competition.

The Highlighters were 2-0 in pool play, with seven goals for and none against. They then persevered through a tough semifinal game 1-0.

The Highlighters showed true heart, desire, and commitment on the practice field in its undefeated season run. For Coaches Mark Valentine and John Schmid of the CdM team, the conclusion was a very nice reward for the Highlighters’ hard work put in since late August.

“The consistent focus on teamwork and discipline paid off for the young ladies,” Valentine said. “Each one of the Highlighter players: Ella Bonanno, Sophia Bonanno, Madeline Corrall, Christi Francois, Rylee Harrington, Ashley Krantz, Kelly Kringen, Annie Rodowsky, Rylen Schmid, Katie Sullivan, Emily Valentine and Olivia Young made significant contributions for this team throughout the season, made by week-in, week-out dedication to bring this effort together as it had ... several of these girls didn’t play soccer last year and/or had played very little at all. We focused on their potential and what they were capable of ... we paid particular attention to the process on developing the players and the outcome would come based on their desire and execution.”

— Reader submission