Senior Karen Gonzalez looks to pass the ball to a teammate against Elk Grove. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - After a good start to their season, the Cordova Lady Lancers are gearing up for Metro League play which begins after students return from Christmas break.

Freshman Sana Akbari uses her head to stop the ball against Elk Grove. Photo by Rick Sloan

The Lady Lancers (3-4-1 overall at press time) won three of their first four games to begin their winter schedule. After a three-game slide, the team ended the skid with a 1-1 tie at Casa Roble on Thursday, Dec. 11. Now with a chance to regroup and shift their focus toward league play, the Lady Lancers are feeling confident as they approach the most important part of their season. 

“We’re feeling pretty good,” Lady Lancers head coach Charlie Gonzalez said. “We’ve gotten a couple wins here and there. We’re a young team and they’ve bought in. We’re developing pretty good.”

Head Coach Charlie Gonzalez gives his team a pep talk during halftime against Elk Grove. Photo by Rick Sloan

Sophomore striker Susan Corona has led the Cordova offense early on, scoring two goals thus far. Senior goalie Alanna Thomas has been arguably the teams’ most valuable player thus far, tallying an impressive 36 saves already on the year. According to Gonzalez, the team has only had one game this season in which every player was available to participate, and that has hindered some of what the team wants to do, particularly on offense. Junior do-it-all player Makayla Pena, who led the team in goals scored last season, had been unable to participate in games until late last week due to other commitments. Now with the roster coming together, their coach feels his team will be up for the challenges that a tough Metro League will bring. 

Junior Makayla Pena controls the ball during the match against Elk Grove. Photo by Rick Sloan

“I feel like we’re in a good spot,” Gonzalez said. “I think we’ve only had one game where we’ve had all our players. I think if we’re all there, we’re in a good spot.”

The team will practice on a few occasions during the upcoming Christmas break before returning to the field on Tuesday, Jan. 6 in their league opener at McClatchy, scheduled for 3 p.m.

Freshman Sana Akbari uses her head to stop the ball against Elk Grove. Photo by Rick Sloan