GALT, CA (MPG) - It was a season for the record books at Liberty Ranch High School. The Hawks girls’ soccer team rolled through league play with a perfect 14-0 record, claimed the Sierra Valley League championship and sent six players to the all-league team: a fitting reward for a group that dominated from start to finish.

At the top of that list is junior forward/midfielder Juliana Romero, who was named League MVP after a season that left opponents and coaches alike searching for words. Hawks Head Coach Rob Huarte kept his description simple but fitting.

“Electric,” he said.

The numbers back it up. Romero led the team with 31 goals and 17 assists, accumulating 79 points on the season while averaging 1.3 goals per game and 0.7 assists per game. She also led the team with five shots on the season’s statistical leaders board, a testament to her relentless offensive presence. It was the kind of campaign that earns hardware, and the SVC did not hesitate in recognizing her as the conference’s best.

But Romero was far from alone. Freshman Emily Portillo turned in one of the most remarkable debut seasons in recent Liberty Ranch memory, leading the entire team in goals (39), points (95), and tying Romero for the team lead in shots. Portillo averaged 1.6 goals per game – tops on the roster – and added 17 assists to finish as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the conference regardless of class. Earning all-league recognition as a freshman speaks volumes about the kind of talent Portillo brings to Hawk Stadium.

Fellow freshman Brooke Sparks was equally impressive in her first varsity season, contributing 21 goals, a team-leading 18 assists and 60 points while averaging 0.8 goals per game and 0.6 assists per game. Sparks’ vision and playmaking ability from the opening whistle made her an essential piece of the Hawks’ high-powered attack.

The back line and goalkeeper corps were just as dominant. Junior goalkeeper Kennie Thomas earned all-league recognition after posting a jaw-dropping 0.201 goals against average – among the best marks in the region – while recording 12 shutouts and averaging 4.3 saves per game. Senior goalkeeper Zia Ruppert complemented Thomas perfectly, stopping 125 shots on the season with 18 shutouts and a 0.559 GAA while averaging 4.6 saves per game. Together, the two-goalkeeper system gave Liberty Ranch one of the most suffocating defensive units in the SVC, and both earned the all-league recognition they deserved.

Rounding out the all-league selections were seniors Faviola Vasquez and Bailey Alcoriza, two veteran contributors whose leadership and consistency helped to anchor the Hawks through a grueling league schedule and deep postseason run.

That postseason run came agonizingly close to a section championship. Liberty Ranch advanced to the section playoff final, where they met West Campus in a match that had everything: double overtime, relentless pressure on both ends and a final scoreline that could not be settled in regulation or extra time. It ultimately came down to penalty kicks, where West Campus edged the Hawks in the shootout, ending Liberty Ranch’s season one win short of a title.

Despite the heartbreak, the Hawks finished with a legacy worth celebrating. A perfect league record, six all-league selections, a League MVP and a section finalist appearance make this one of the finest seasons in Liberty Ranch girls’ soccer history. With Romero, Portillo, Sparks and Thomas all returning next year, the future at Hawk Stadium looks every bit as bright as this remarkable season.