The Selah High girls soccer team has been difficult to stop over the past month, going 7-1 in its past eight games with six shutouts.
The Vikings have relied on a combination of tough defense and a balanced attack to post an overall record of 9-4 (7-2 CWAC) heading into an Oct. 12 home matchup with Othello (results not yet available).
Two of the Viks’ losses were to Class 4A West Valley and Eastmont, and the other two defeats came at the hands of league rivals East Valley and Ellensburg. Head coach Josh Koreski said he likes where his squad sits heading into the home stretch.
“The fun part about coaching this team is that we have a lot of talented players who are willing to do whatever it takes to help us win,” the second-year coach said. “We have a lot of pieces, and everyone has been willing to adapt to whatever I ask them to do. I honestly couldn’t ask for more.”
Korseki pointed to the leadership of seniors Alexia Rodriguez-Burdeaux, Brooke Hovsepian, Maya Hall and Ashlyn Morford (the team’s leading scorer), along with juniors Allison Moultray and Brooke Reiber.
Selah’s talent doesn’t end with those six players, but when the Vikings are on their game, it’s usually because that core group is making good things happen.
“We have great senior leadership this season, and they’re all playing fantastic,” Koreski said. “Ali and Brooke (Reiber) have also been on varsity for a few years and they know their roles. We have really developed an identity for the program this year, and a lot of that is because of our experience.”
The coach is also quick to credit the work of his two freshman center backs, Kara Bakker and Alejandra Salcedo. Their toughness in the middle has allowed Hall — traditionally a center back — to push forward and help the offense.
“We shook up the back line this year and it’s been cool to see Kara and Ali doing all the right things back there,” Koreski said. “We have a lot of confidence in them, and it’s nice to know we’re going to have those two positions filled for a number of years.”
Similarly, sophomores Kennedy Cobb, Janae Hall and Adley Franklin — along with freshman Sophia Medina — have become regular contributors, earning their coach’s praise for their willingness to sacrifice for the team.
“We have a really deep bench, which is a real privilege,” Koreski said. “Every player on the roster brings something different to the team, and they all play important roles. As a coach, you really couldn’t ask for more.”
Not to be forgotten, starting goalkeeper Lexi Grenz has been dominant all season, getting to all the shots she’s supposed to — and even the ones she’s not.
“Lexi always seems to be in the right position to make a play, and that’s the mark of a really talented keeper,” the coach said. “She’s been lights out consistently all season, and we’re going to count on her a lot in the playoffs.”
Before the Vikings begin district tournament play later this month, they will take on Grandview and Prosser, which both reside near the bottom of the league standings.
The real test for Koreski’s club will be a potential district matchup with Ellensburg — a team they beat in a shootout earlier in the season before dropping a 2-1 decision to the Bulldogs on Oct. 5.
“We’re scoring a lot of goals and we’re tough to score on, which is a good position to be in heading into the playoffs,” Koreski said. “We have a really good team defense and a great offense. I couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve seen so far.”
Dave Leder • Writer / Editor 