The cold air suspended over the crowd like a surrounding cloud of nervousness and anxiety. Yet fans were on their feet clapping, yelling in support of the girls’ soccer 6-0 win over Parlier on Feb. 21 and anticipated a rematch against Templeton for the Valley Championship.

Despite only losing one game in league last year, the girls’ soccer team has left the playoffs soured without a championship. This years’ team was determined to capture the Valley title and regain the championship form of 2001.

“The thing I am most proud about the girls’ is their hard work and how they have been good witnesses for the Lord,” Robert Foshee, head coach, said. “These girls have gotten to know each other really well. In previous seasons, the girls have played a lot together, but this year there are a lot of new faces which gives the team a whole new element.”

There are two remnants on the team this season from the 2001 Valley championship. Arabia, ’03, and Michelle Smith, ’04, and they continue to help the team to excel to amazing heights despite the school’s small size (285 students).

“I got the opportunity to experience winning Valley in 2001 when I was a sophomore, it was the best feeling to beat Templeton,” Arabia said. “Now here we are again my senior year. I remember the looks on the faces of the seniors when we won Valley and I want that to be me this year and to be able to feel the way that they felt.”

With six seniors graduating in June the team will is looking to its seniors to lead them in the finals against Templeton for the fourth time in the last five years.

“I think that Gina Arabia is a really good player, and she is a major leader on your team and gets us all ready to play,” Smith said. “I have played with her for a long time and I think she is a great athlete and example on the team.”

Unfortunately the girls’ season did not end the way they would have hoped. On Feb. 28 the Templeton Eagles defeated the home team, 3-1.

Ashley Sherr, ’06, scored the only goal for FC on a free kick in the first half. Arabia and Ashley Knepper, ’03, each had opportunities to score during the game but FC’s hopes to unseat Templeton fell short. After a 1-1 half time tie, Templeton scored two goals in the last 8 minutes to take the Valley Championship.