The Lady Panthers have had to deal with quite the adjustment this 2011-2012 season. Losing about eight seniors, there is basically an entire new team. One thing to know about soccer teams, especially girl soccer teams, is that there are not just eleven players on the field and eight or nine on the bench, there is a family of girls who strive to do better for each other. Girls allow their teammates to become their family by watching out for one another both on and off the field.  With coaches Pepi Vallejo, Joe DeTommaso, and Kim Liwush working diligently to get the girls’ varsity soccer team up to the standards the returning players and are used to, it is no easy task attempting to acquaint twenty lady soccer players and expect them to play as if they have been playing together for years. The coaches decided on a back to the basics approach to this situation. Passing, dribbling and shooting starting from scratch with a team that, hopefully, will work hard to obtain the reputation the team once had. After losing the first five games, the players’ hard work is finally paying off with two consecutive wins against Calvary Christian School, three to one, and Saints Andrews, one to zero. Captain Erica Esposito says of this year’s team, “We definitely lost some major contributors to the team, but with our hard work, I am sure we can be successful this season.” As Coach Pepi always says, “play hard, play smart, and be consistent.”  One goalie, four defenders, four midfielders, two forwards, one family. Come out and support your Lady Panthers’ Varsity soccer team.