The Highline women’s soccer team is back and ready to win after not playing during the fall 2023 season.
The Thunderbirds have recorded an impressive 7-3-2 record (5-3-2 in conference) and currently sit in third in conference standings. This new team has shown tremendous pride in the program under new head coach, Marco Monzonhad.
As Highline did not have a women’s soccer team during the 2023-24 season, Monzonhad needed to recruit and rebuild an enitre new team. With 16 out of the 18 players being Freshman, there is tremendous potential for this team throughout the season, and into the next one.
With only two games left on the season, the T-birds still have a strong chance to clinch a playoff spot. The success of this young team is a testament to all of the student-athletes’ dedication to their sport and renewed focus on the women’s soccer program here at Highline.
Standout efforts by Freshman Emeli Hernandez and Sophomore Tania Tapia, who lead the team with eight goals scored apiece, has helped lead the team to their victories.
This last Saturday, the Thunderbirds had an outstanding performance against Centralia College, taking a 4-2 win.
Starting the game off strong, goals scored by sophomore Tapia, freshmen Hernandez, Bria Alabe, and Ximena Rios Salmoran put the Thunderbirds on top, 4-0.
With the T-Birds’ rocky start to the second half Centralia was able to cut the Thunderbirds’ lead in half. However, Highline was able to pull their defense together, only allowing two goals by Centralia, to clinch the win.
At home on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Highline defeated South Puget Sound Community College, winning 3-0 (with further stats not available at press time). This win helped boost Highlines standings to third place, further pushing the team to clinching a playoff spot.
This upcoming week the Thunderbirds’ wrap their regular season up with a pair of matches. They play Lower Columbia College at home on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 12:30 p.m. and their final contest will be at Tacoma Community College on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m.
We wish Highline women’s soccer on an outstanding end of the season, and congratulate them on the amazing fall 2024 season!