After taking home second place in the CIF Central Section Division V Valley Championship for the 2021 season, Fresno Christian girls soccer secures first place against Mammoth, Feb. 26.

With the game tied up (0-0), FC girls soccer went into two sets of 10 minutes for overtime. After the time extension, the score remained the same, leading to a second round of overtime with the golden goal rule. When the whistle blew to conclude the second round of overtime, the score was still (0-0), forcing the two teams into a period of penalty kicks. Selah Draper, ‘22, Abigail Herren, ‘25, Emma Connolly, ‘24, Kennedy Wyatt, ‘25, and Kirra Obwald, ‘23 each scored a PK to defeat Mammoth, (5-4).

Draper has played under Coach Matt Markarian for all four of her high school years.

“Winning valley’s senior year is every senior athlete’s dream.” Draper said. “ It feels surreal that we were able to make it possible. My favorite memory throughout this year’s season was going to Garces and learning about all the different players we have on this team. It was an awesome team bonding experience.”

Super proud of our @fresnochristian soccer girls. Battled a tough Mammoth team at 8000 feet of elevation. 0-0 after regulation and 2 OTs. Came up big to win 5-4 in pks. D5 champs for the second time in 4 years @PodOffTheBench @OnAirCK @AllStarGameBen @paulmeadors @CifCentral

— Matt Markarian (@mattmarkarian) February 26, 2022

Along with four years of school soccer, Draper has also been part of Cen Cal Odyssey Club for 2 ½ years.

“Advice I will tell upcoming players is go to practice. As much as boring as it may seem, the work pays off immensely.” Draper said. “Also respect your teammates. It goes a long way and you learn to trust your teammates and build that chemistry that is needed on the field.”

Obwald has played FC soccer for three years and was part of the 2020 Valley Championship team her freshman year.

“It felt great to see the ball hit the back of the net.” Obwald said. “It was so much better to turn around and see my teammates running towards me, especially the four who made their penalties before me. That moment represented months of our hard work and dedication.”

As a freshman, Obwald wasn’t trained enough to play in the Valley Championship game. Now, as a captain, Obwald played the full game against Mammoth.

“There was pressure to finish but I knew I had to treat it like any other shot in order to make it.” Obwald said. “We had done it in practice so I felt prepared. As far as nerves, I had plenty of time to work them out during the 110 minutes we already played.”

The girls will advance to state finals against Kimble, Mar. 1.

Way to bring home first place Eagles!

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