Alejandra Cruz / Roundup
The Pierce College women’s soccer team is getting in shape for their pre-season games by training two hours twice a week.
With new faces like Michelle Oakes and Megan Queen — who are, according to head coach Adolfo Perez, two of the best players this year — the team is projected to be stronger than ever. Between them they have won eight City Championships.
The Brahmas’ first pre-season game will be a home game against Cuyamaca College August 28 at the Pit.
“We have a harder schedule this year,” Perez said. “Our pre-season games, we are playing everybody like Santa Barbara (City College), Moorpark (College), Ventura (College) —everybody that is good.”
Playing the hardest teams during the pre-season will give Pierce a head start when the actual season begins, Perez said.
Santa Barbara City College is one of the most changeling teams they will be playing against during the pre-season.
“Santa Barbara is going to be tough because it is going to be at night and they get a lot of fans because of the beer,” Perez said with a laugh.
Oakes thinks her new position with the Brahmas will bring out the best in her.
“I’m really excited to be playing for this team,” Oakes said. “I feel really happy to play with Adolfo because he really pushes us and keeps us in shape. He won’t take excuses from us. Other coaches didn’t push me to do the best I can do.”
Perez is confident in Oakes’ capabilities.
“I think she is going to do better with us,” Perez said of Oakes. “Put that kid in an environment where she is comfortable and she is amazing. She has some of the best skills I have ever seen.”
The team will be recruiting more players during the summer and goalkeeper Betty Ramirez will return this year to play.
“We have a long season ahead of us but I feel confident about the new season and I feel we can win conference again,” Ramirez said.
According to Ramirez, there will be a new goalkeeper arriving in the summer so there will be a competition between them to determine who will play that position.
“Our sophomores are going to be better because they have one year of experience,” Perez said.
The coaches will be one key to the success of the coming season. Assistant coach Norman Mejia also coached the Real So Cal Soccer Club that won the 2009 Dallas Cup.
Perez and assistant coach Jose Mejia will be putting the team in their best shape.
Gina Piazza, Rachel Kove, Stephanie Cubias, Gabby Gavotto and Emelie Martinez are also returning to play in the fall.
“We picked some kids that are going to help us tremendously,” Perez said.
Positions will be assigned during the summer after players still in high school join the team.
Michelle Oakes showcases her skills during practice. Along with Megan Queen, she is touted by head coach Adolfo Perez as one of the team?s top recruits (Alina Popov / Roundup)
Stephanie Cubias, the Brahmas reigning scoring champion as a freshman, handles the ball during practice. Now a sophomore, she will be returning for the 2009 season. (Alina Popov / Roundup)
