Hillcrest girls soccer tests new team in new region

The start of a new season is a team’s chance to test itself but for the Huskies, not only is it a new season but a new home in Region 7. Hillcrest has seen success so far this season and is sitting on top of the region with Skyline after winning its first two region games. But with only a few returning starters, the girls will have to learn fast what it takes to compete in 4A

“I am feeling good. We have been working hard. We might not have the most talent but we do have the hardest working girls,” coach Megan Beckstead said. “Everything is new for us this year -- our opponents, our team. In the past we’ve been scared to play other teams and this year there is no background. Everything is new and fresh and we’re going to take advantage of that.”

Hillcrest has already seen success against teams from Highland, Bingham and Cottonwood. And although they’ve lost a few, the games have been close, losing by just one goal against Riverton, Jordan and Lone Peak. During the game against Riverton on Aug. 25, the team found itself trailing most of the game but one of the strongest qualities this team possesses is the determination to keep playing.

“Our biggest strength is being positive. Even if we’re on the field losing, we try to encourage each other to keep it up,” said senior Joscelyn Hill. “We never quit, even if we’re not on. We have some good players that are injured and we’re doing our best to fill their spots and do the best we can. We never quit trying to win.”

The change to 4A has brought a new set of challenges to this team and new opponents to try to overcome. The biggest change will probably be found during region play. Hillcrest will have the opportunity to challenge teams similar in size and will ultimately have a better chance to be competitive in region, Beckstead said.

“We are definitely looking to win a region championship but Olympus and Skyline are good and it’s going to be tough,” she said. “Every day is different. Olympus lost to Riverton, 3-1, but we only lost, 4-3. We have a ton of potential and we’re not going to settle for anything less than region champs.”

The change also gives Hillcrest a new set of opponents, many that the team hasn’t played for a while. Skyline, Murray, Olympus, Westlake, and Herriman now stand between Hillcrest and a region title. For the newer varsity players like senior Erin Hawkins, that means every game is a new opportunity to test their skills.

“We like the new region because you have an advantage over a team you don’t know anything about. We come out playing like every team is the best,” she said. “We will have better chances because the teams will be more evenly matched.”