Girls’ soccer: Freshman five helping to pull Oaks Christian

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Once again, Oaks Christian is off to a fast start and a lot of its early success can be attributed to the play of its five freshman starters.

Forward Alexandra Courtnall is second in team scoring behind Pepperdine-bound senior Kelsea Smith with 16 points [6 goals, 4 assists] and forward Jaciara Mello is tied for third in team scoring with 13 points [6-1].

Midfielders Brittani Gardella and Kristen Jakob and defender Marlo Smith have also played a huge role in pushing the Lions to a 7-2-1 record heading into their two-week winter break before Tri-Valley League play. And they’ll likely continue to play an important role in the team’s efforts to win its first outright section division title after having to settle for four co-championships in the last five years.

“This is the strongest team we’ve ever had,” Coach Jan Hethcock said. ‘I think we can challenge for another title, but that only comes with hard work.’

So don’t be surprised if Oaks Christian finally wins its first outright title this March and continues be a dominant regional program for years to come.

-- Austin Knoblauch