GALT, CA (MPG) - In a momentous achievement that resonates deeply within the community, the Galt Warrior girls’ soccer team has clinched the SVC league title, marking their first league championship in decades. While exact records remain elusive, conversations with former coaches reveal no recollection of a previous title, the only hint being a mention in a 1990s yearbook celebrating a league victory almost forgotten in history.

The Warriors finished the season with an impressive record of 12 wins, 1 tie and only 1 loss, which occurred this past week against Liberty Ranch. Their lone tie came against Bradshaw Christian, while their nearest competitor, Rosemont, finished with an 11-3 league record. The Hawks, who took third place, ended their season at 10-3-1.

A key highlight of the season came in the heated rivalry between the Warriors and the Hawks. In their first encounter on Feb. 3, the Warriors emerged victorious with a 2-0 win away at Hawk Stadium. Freshman Brianna Romero and junior Bayley Miller found the back of the net, aided by assists from Monica Valencia and Morgan Erman. This win was particularly special for the Warriors, as victories against their crosstown rivals have been few and far between, with previous wins dating back three years and the Hawks’ inaugural season.

The Hawks retaliated in the second matchup, narrowly beating the Warriors 1-0 at Warrior Stadium. Faviola Vasquez scored the only goal of the match with an assist from Juliana Romero. Hawk goalies Zia Rupert and Kennie Thomas combined for an impressive seven saves, while Warrior goalie Kylee Chapman recorded nine saves.

New head coach Alejandro Renteria, who previously coached the Galt boys’ team, took the reins of the girls’ program this season. Renteria expressed pride in his team’s accomplishment, stating, “Having played in this game myself many times, I know what the pressure is like and I know it can get to the kids. The win against the Hawks and the league title feels really good because my goal this year was to do something with these girls and to try and make history.”

Renteria continued, “I know that is a high bar to set, but I saw the talent and I felt like they just needed guidance. I really hope that what we’re doing is working. This is the fruits of our labor. We have been working on our conditioning, and we work really hard at practice, and it is paying off. Props to Liberty Ranch; they are a really talented, well-coached team. It is great to have such good teams to compete against in our town.”

With the regular season concluded and the playoffs on the horizon, the Galt Warrior girls’ soccer team has not only made history but has fostered a renewed sense of pride within the community. The playoffs begin on Feb. 14, and fans are left wondering just how far this resilient team can go as they chase the section title.