GALT, CA (MPG) - Senior Night at Galt High School brought both celebration and frustration on Tuesday, Feb. 6, as the Warriors girls soccer team honored six graduating players before battling Union Mine to a 1-1 draw. While the result wasn’t what the seniors had hoped for in their final home match, the evening was a fitting tribute to the players who have built Galt’s program into a playoff contender.

Before kickoff, seniors Bayley Miller, Katy Dalton, Nora Werdon, Shayla China, Shantiny Lemus and Maya Hernandez were escorted onto the field by their families in an emotional ceremony that recognized their contributions to the program. The six seniors have been instrumental in establishing Galt as a force in league play, making history by being the first Galt girls soccer team to win league last season.

Once the ceremony concluded, the Warriors were determined to send their seniors off with a victory. Sophomore Brianna Romero gave Galt the early lead it was looking for, scoring in the first half to put the Warriors ahead 1-0. Senior Shantiny Lemus, one of the players being honored, provided the assist on Romero’s goal, creating a perfect Senior Night moment.

 

Brianna Romero heads the ball away from Galt’s goal.

Romero continued her exceptional season with the goal, bringing her season total to eight goals to go along with a team-leading 20 assists. Her 36 points rank second on the team and reflect her importance to every aspect of Galt’s attack.

The Warriors controlled much of the match after taking the lead, looking to protect the advantage and give their seniors the home victory they deserved. However, Union Mine refused to cooperate with the Senior Night script. The visitors broke through near the end of the second half, finding the equalizer that denied Galt the full three points. Despite pressing desperately for a winner in the closing minutes, the Warriors were unable to recapture the lead.

The draw was particularly frustrating given that Galt had defeated Union Mine 2-1 earlier in the season. However, the result keeps the Warriors firmly in playoff position as they prepare for the postseason.

 

Forward Bayley Miller battles a Union Mine defender.

For senior Bayley Miller, the draw couldn’t diminish what has been a spectacular final season. Miller leads the team with an impressive 20 goals, averaging 1.8 goals per game. Her 44 points pace the squad and make her one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. Miller’s ability to find the back of the net consistently has been the foundation of Galt’s offensive success.

Senior Katy Dalton has also been a key contributor, averaging 0.7 goals per game and providing additional scoring punch that gives the Warriors multiple weapons. Her presence alongside Miller has created matchup problems for opponents all season.

Senior Shantiny Lemus has been the facilitator in midfield, recording four assists on the season and averaging 0.8 assists per game. Her assist on Romero’s goal was a fitting contribution on her Senior Night, showcasing the playmaking ability that has made her such a valuable piece of Galt’s system.

 

Shantiny Lemus kicks high to control the ball.

Seniors Nora Werdon, Shayla China and Maya Hernandez have also played important roles in the Warriors’ success, whether through on-field contributions, leadership in practice or setting the tone for the program’s culture.

The Warriors have shown they can compete with the league’s best teams, including a dominant 5-1 victory over second-place Argonaut earlier in the season. However, consistency has been a challenge, as evidenced by a 3-2 loss to those same Argonauts in the rematch.

Freshman Viviana Vega has been a revelation in her first high school season, contributing eight goals and averaging 1.3 goals per game. Vega’s 19 points rank third on the team, and her versatility playing both midfield and defense makes her a valuable asset. Her emergence alongside Romero suggests Galt’s program will remain competitive even as it loses six seniors.

 

Katie Dalton high steps to bring the ball under control.

In goal, freshman Abigail Pantoja has been solid throughout the season, recording 32 saves and averaging 2.7 saves per game, providing confidence in the Warriors’ defensive third.

While the 1-1 draw may not have been the Senior Night result the Warriors wanted, it doesn’t diminish what this senior class has accomplished. They’ve helped establish Galt as a playoff team, created a winning culture and set standards for future Warriors to follow.

As Galt prepares for the playoffs with its third-place league standing, the seniors will have more opportunities to add to their legacy. The Warriors have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone, led by Miller’s prolific scoring and supported by a balanced attack. Now it’s time for these seniors to lead one final push, hoping to extend their high school careers and bring home a playoff championship that would be the perfect ending to their Galt soccer journey.