By Irene Ruiz
After a great season, the Lewis and Clark (LC) women’s soccer team are champions of Region 24, earning the top spot in the Central District tournament. The girls put in a great effort week by week to not only win the title, but to do so undefeated with a record of 6-0 in region matches.
During the regional regular-season competition, the Trailblazers faced several teams, including last season’s undefeated and nationally ranked Illinois Central College team. Heading into the first match against ICC, the team knew it would be a difficult game; they were playing away from home and the weather poor, but they went all out and won with a score of 2-0.
“We knew they would be a difficult opponent each game. Overall, though, we focused on us,” Head Coach Bernaix said. “If we played well and controlled the game like we felt we could, we would be a difficult team to beat.”
In the penultimate game of the season, the Trailblazers went on the road confident that they could win the title that same night under the lights. With an excellent game and a score of 6-0, they won the Region 24 title to make our entire community proud. After several months of work, they achieved their goal.
“We had one of our best attacking displays of the season scoring six goals and creating several more chances,” Bernaix explained. “We also showed a confidence and determination that continued for the remainder of the season.”
For the 2023-2024 season, the Trailblazers had 12 players return from last season, but they were reinforced with 10 new freshmen and two sophomore transfers who gave the team a strong boost. Several sophomores will be transferring to 4-year schools at the end of this season to complete their educational, professional, and soccer career goals.
After only two years with the women’s program, coach Bernaix has led the team to win a Region 24 title, so we look forward to next season to see what else they can achieve after the new upcoming changes.
“This year’s group of players was great to work with. The sophomore group, my first recruiting class, will always be remembered,” Bernaix added. “The freshman who came in contributed right away as well. I look forward to working with them again next season.”
