Off to a 1-1-1 start the girls varsity soccer team led by senior captains Barbara Platenberg, Jeannine Molleda, Ashley Booth and head coach Jim Rike are looking to have a dominant 2012 season. Platenberg has high expectations for the season and believes she and her teammates have a chance to be state champions. She is not the only one with high aspirations both Sophomore Natalie McCarthy and Junior Haley Roberson also feel that a state crown is within reach this season.

Roberson said the team likes to stay unpredictable so they can always keep their opponents off guard.

“We have a lot of technically sound players and great athleticism, this keeps us unpredictable,” Roberson said.

McCarthy feels that the team’s strength lies in its work ethic and ability to finish big plays.

“Our work ethic and possession are good we are also good at finishing corner kicks,” McCarthy said.

The team has tough completion in the district including Oakton, Centerville and Chantilly. They also have strong regional competition with Stonebridge and Woodson.

“These teams move the ball well and have a lot of chemistry, they also play to their advantages,” said Platenberg.

Offseason workouts and fitness training are a part of the team’s regimen as well as skills and drills.

“Offseason started in November, we did green day practices and conditioning,” said Roberson.

The offseason program is optional which has led to some players having mixed views of it.

“It wasn’t mandatory; it helped a little bit, but it could have been better,” Platenberg said.

Platenberg said, the team is almost ready to reach to goals that it has set for the season.

“We want to go undefeated this season; we have a lot of potential this year but we are still working out kinks in different positions everything is strong but consistency isn’t there yet,” Platenberg said.