Charlie Kaloustian
Women’s Soccer
† Last year’s women’s soccer team can be described in three words: one win away.
After a heart-breaker to Long Beach City College in the semifinals by one penalty kick, head coach Adolfo Perez has regrouped even after losing several players from that team. †††
With Elia Petrosian, 2005 Western State Conference Player of the Year, and the No. 10 ranked goalie in the state, Rachel Roud, the only challenge for the team will be to bounce back from the loss to Long Beach City and facing College of the Canyons, the team that ended the Brahmas 15-game win streak and handed them their only regular season loss.
My prediction – Elia Petrosian is in the drivers seat. If she can rack up the goals, there’s less pressure on goalie Rachel Roud to fend off opposing strikers.†
†††††With the team having to gel early and adapt to the new players, the veterans will be responsible for keeping their composure and making another run for cup.
Don’t expect them to be perfect like the 2005 team, but they will make their presence felt in the Western State Conference.
Women’s Volleyball
† Here’s an equation that shouldn’t too hard to answer – What do you get when you add one experienced head coach, 11 returning players from the 5-time Western State Champions team and a handful of new recruits?
† Your 2006 women’s volleyball team.
††††† With eight women named to the All-Conference Team, the No. 4 ranked Brahmas will have no problems coming up victorious for the Fall ’06 season. Out of 27 games last year, only four went longer then three matches, proving how dominating and explosive this team can be.
†††††† Key players that will make a difference are co-captains Kristen Gorman and Meredith Rice. Both named to the All-Conference team, will guide the Brahmas for another shot at the state championships. Head coach Nabil Mardini has built a strong foundation with his present team and guarantees nothing less than a championship.
Be on the lookout for the tandem of Ashley Lugo, 6-foot-1 freshman from Deltona, Fla., and returning middle-blocker Allison Tosch, 6-foot sophomore. Both will make their presence felt at the net. Trying to hit over them is like trying to get the ball over the Great Wall of China.
†My prediction – With their eyes set on the trophy, nothing less then state championship will be acceptable. An early loss in the season shouldn’t disrupt the flow but rather be a heat check. †
Men’s Football
† Wiping the slate clean as he approaches his first season as head coach, Kevin Moore has brought in a new coaching staff and recruited fresh talent to improve on their 0-10 dismal 2005 season.
†††††Heading the offensive strike will be Brandon Charles, 6-foot-1 190 lbs. quarterback, using his arm strength and field vision he’ll be guiding the explosive offense. A platoon consisting of Cordel Hammon, wide receiver from Inglewood High School and 2004 All-League performer will use his explosive speed to pose a threat†on opposing defenses. Also, Terrence Hayes, 2004 two-time All-League performer from Inglewood High School, this 5-foot-9 195 lbs. running back packs a big punch and should rush for more than thousand yards this season.
If the team can buy into coach Moore’s plan, the Brahmas will contend for the conference title and make a long awaited appearance into the playoffs.
††††With the most anticipated game being against long time rivals College of the Canyons, the Brahmas have marked† Oct. 21 on their calendar for a long time. Especially after the 51-point loss that was handed to them last season.
My prediction – Heading into the playoffs should be a walk in the park if the team can stay healthy. Finishing the season 8 and 2 is very realistic.