After placing first in the Mt. Baldy League last season, Diamond Bar High School’s girls soccer team has set the bar high for this year’s season. No longer the underdogs, the team hopes to surpass last year’s accomplishment of reaching the second round of CIF Southern Section, where they were knocked out last year.

“I want the girls to go out every day with that mindset that we are the team to beat and not [to] be afraid of that expectation,” head coach Matt Franco said.

The Lady Brahmas had their first game on Dec. 3 against the La Serna Lancers, losing  3-1. The team’s goal was scored by sophomore Samantha Marcello with an assist from sophomore Isabella Hurtado.

Their second match on Dec. 5 was a 3-0 win against Diamond Ranch.  The goals were scored by Hurtado, senior Alyssa Ramos and freshman Janel Wilson. The three finishes were assisted by seniors Samantha Alba and Madison Bernardino.

The next day, they tied against Los Altos High School, holding both teams scoreless throughout the course of the game. Yesterday, the Lady Brahmas played against Wilson High School.

“I feel that this year’s team can be closer than previous years as we’ve all known each other for a while,” senior midfielder Marissa Vasquez said. “Hopefully we can use this to our advantage in building a stronger team chemistry helping us in the games.”

Last season, most of the team consisted of younger and newer players, but this year, the majority of the players are returning. After learning each other’s playing styles last year, they were able to win league.

“Our team is really built to be a team, and the system that we play is designed to be the type that includes everyone on the field,” Franco said. “We don’t look to play to just one player and hope that they can do it all themselves.”

After having five freshmen on the team last year, there are only two this year: Shelby Ghiuzelian and Janel Wilson. They are both attacking players, with Ghiuzelian as a midfielder and Wilson as a forward.

“Both are very skilled players who can play multiple positions,” Franco said. “We are looking to have them step right in this year in different roles and make an impact.”

The team’s next game will take place tomorrow at Claremont High School.