Hillcrest girls soccer finishes second in region

Second place finishes are usually nothing to cheer about. But for the Hillcrest girls soccer team, finishing second in Region 7 was a huge accomplishment. It was the highest region finish for girls soccer in several years at Hillcrest.

“Hillcrest has made it to the state playoffs before but we’ve never finished so high in region,” coach Megan Beckstead said. “It’s the best season girls soccer has ever had.”

Hillcrest finished right behind Skyline in region play, earning not only a place in the state tournament but also home field advantage for the first game against Mountain Crest on Oct. 11. Beckstead said having the first game of the tournament at home was a big priority for the team.

The stands were “Greened Out” -- packed to capacity during the first game with students, family and Hillcrest teachers and staff there to support the girls. Beckstead said the combination of support from the school and some of the best soccer she’s seen all season was the perfect mix to come away with a win at home.

“We believed we could win and the school’s support really helped a lot,” said senior captain McKell Stauffer. “Seeing everyone wearing green, filling the stands, gave us the confidence to know we could do it.”

As the Huskies advanced to the second round, the level of play increased. Hillcrest met up with Region 6 champion East on Oct. 13 for the second round. The Huskies stayed in the game and kept up with the Leopards throughout, holding them off until the second half when East scored, winning the game, 1-0.

“The game against East was different. They were a much tougher team than Mountain Crest,” Beckstead said. “I don’t think the girls showed up to play the same way they did in the first round. But I couldn’t have asked for better playing this season and am very pleased with how the team finished.”

Looking forward to next season, Beckstead said she already feels positive the team will be strong again next year. Hillcrest will graduate seven seniors, including defender Samantha Sweet. Sweet was a big part of the game against East. Her tireless defense kept the Leopards to only one goal, Beckstead said.

Next year’s senior class will include forward Hannah Sutherland, midfielder Billie Jo Kunkler and defender Sydney Bricker. Beckstead said this season’s success has given the younger players a taste of victory and will go a long way in helping them prepare for next year.

Although Hillcrest changed regions this year, Beckstead said the talent in 4A is as good as 5A. The biggest advantage for the Huskies was the lack of history between Hillcrest and the other teams in Region 7. Beckstead added that it’s been good for her team to start new in region play with no expectations about the other teams.

“This year we tried to come out strong and make a statement in Region 7. I think we accomplished that,” she said.