By Alex Romano and Ashley Butler

Last Thursday, the WHS Girls’ Varsity soccer team failed to continue their long streak as an undefeated threat in the league. Especially after last year when the fourteen seniors on the varsity squad led the girls to states, this early defeat in the season to Nipmuc High school hit the returning players hard. However, the captains are determined to unite the new and old players together and think of this loss as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.

Captain Ashley Butler comments, “Going into my last year of high school soccer, I had high expectations for this team. I was really upset over our loss in only the second game of the season; however, on the other hand we were able to realize early that in order to make up for the skill we lost last year, we need to bring more heart and commitment to the field.”

The captains put their heads together to brainstorm ideas to improve the team’s chemistry and overall performance on the field. They decided to plan several opportunities for team bonding, for example team sleepovers, pasta parties, and fun activities such as apple picking and a Color Run. In addition, to improve their skills and stamina, a captain’s practice was held on Saturday in which the players went on a group run around town.

“With a positive attitude and hard work, I believe we will be able to put up a good fight against one of our hardest opponents,” stated captain Jenna Thomas before their game against Nashoba on Tuesday.

This attitude and commitment paid off as the Rangers overcame a slow start to beat Nashoba 3-0 and move to 3-1-1 on the season.  Their next game is today at Groton Dunstable.