SUMMER CAMP INFO
June 20th

The 2009 Summer Camp is set to start on Monday, June 22 at 9:00am. Please meet at the Marina Soccer Fields (fields close to Robinwood Park - by the baseball fields). Players should be prepared by ensuring to bring the following:

-Soccer Shoes
-Shinguards
-Soccer Ball
-Water (with ice)
-Sunscreen
-Snacks (pretzels, peanuts, granola bars, etc)
-Special needs (medication, inhaler, blistex, etc)

Camp starts promptly at 9am - and will close at 12pm. If your daughter will be late and/or needs to leave early, that's fine. She just needs to inform the coaching staff of such requests.

On Wednesday of camp, June 24th, we will be having camp at the beach. It will be at Bolsa Chica, off Warner & PCH (by Jack in the Box). Your daughter will be coming home with a flyer with more information.

Camp is about having fun, making new friends, and playing soccer. There are no "tryout" results to be posted, or any teams to be announced from summer camp. Further information regarding the Tryout Process and MHS Girls Soccer Team will be posted later in the summer/fall.

SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER ANNOUNCED
June 7th

The 2009 Summer League schedule was finally released just this weekend. There has been some difficulty in obtaining field space as several schools in the district have plans of renovation for some or all of their fields. That is the reason for the delay in this information.

Summer League is a great opportunity for MHS staff coaches and players to get more comfortable working together. Players are not required, but very much encouraged to participate in summer league.

You can find the 2009 Summer League Schedule on our website, or by clicking here.

You will also want to download the Summer League Roster with the game assignments here.

The following players have been requested to play:
Brooke Aiau
Nicole Brashears
Shannon Bulter
AJ Carr
Christiana Caruso
Victoria Clardy
Chelsea Clifford
Tayler Collinsworth
Kiana Demers
Maddie Edwards
Mikayla Ellsworth
Jessica Fisher
Brooke Gehris
Kelly Gehris
Erika Holden
Jillian Holland
Emily Locken
Haley McMann
Jessica Morrow
Michaela Rand
Katherine Renaud
Julia Robinson
Raquel Rosas
Kayla Saavedra
Paola Saieh
Devon Shinn
Arianna Sisson
Christina Thein
Sam Thompson
Emily Van Etten
Cara Vanasse
Haley Walker
Dena Wasielewski

Please inform Coach Mike of your intention to play by sending him an email.

After reviewing the schedule and game assignments please inform me of any changes that you need to make. Please understand, however, that I may not be able to accommodate every request.

SEASON ENDS ON OT TRIUMPH
February 24

After defeating Bay League powerhouse Mira Costa in the first round of CIF, the Lady Vikings hosted the El Toro Chargers from the SeaView League. El Toro took a 2-0 lead into the 2nd half and looked to maintain the course all the way through.

It wasn't until the final 6 minutes that Marina got on the board. But what a final 6 minutes it was!!! Senior Kirsetn Marony was able to net the first goal, and senior-captain Mariah Nogueira, with only seconds remaining, finshed off a triumphant comeback.

Though the team dropped the game in sudden-death overtime, the girls showed marvelous resilliance and heart. Champions, they are.

Congratulations Girls! It was a wonderful season!

BANKS NETS LATE GOAL IN FIRST ROUND WIN
February 19

It was a late goal with only 10 minutes left in regulation that gave the visiting Lady Vikings the edge in a hard-fought first-round CIF game. Junior Genessee Banks received the ball near half-field, and carried it forward, beating several players, on her way to scoring the game winning goal.

The victory move the team into the second-round where they will host #7 El Toro on Tuesday, Feb 24. El Toro defeated Lakewood 5-1.

Other notworthy performances were had by Sophomore Breazy Luhrsen, Junior Alex Farmer, and birthday girl Shauna Salcido.

Congratulations!!!

But to see you play tonight highlights the very reason why I elect to coach, and coach a group of high school teenage girls at that. Because if there is any segment of our population that can represent so clearly the innate ability of our human spirit to conquer and accomplish in the face of adversity and great struggle, it is this pack of brilliant and wide-eyed young women.

The more I coach, the more I realize I'm being coached myself, for it is all of you who have inspired me. I coach, because it brings me closer to greatness. It's a greatness that rests quietly (maybe too quietly at times) in the heart of each of you. It's a greatness that supercedes the grass on the field and transcends into life beyond the game; it's a greatness that will, one day, change the world.

I hesitate at using such a short and often overlooked phrase, as it fails to surmount and represent the ocean-wide and monumental force with which I attempt to offer it, but: I am so very proud of all of you.

You are all amazing!

Gratefully, tremendously,

Coach Mike
2-12-09

VIKINGS BATTLE AZTECS TO OVERTIME; PREPARE FOR CIF
February 12

In one of the most intense and exciting games of the year, the Lady Vikings were able to fight the host Astecs to a close 0-1 ovetime loss. The game featured an incredible display of effort and heart as Marina prepares for their third consecutive visit to the CIF Playoffs.

Sophomore Breazy Luhrsen, Senior Alex McCollum, and Junior Genessee Banks demonstrated outstanding leadership and work ethic, along with Junior Rebecca Cruz, and Sophomore Dena Wasielewski playing integral roles.

The girls will take the next week to prepare for their first round match up (to be determined Monday at the CIF offices).

VIKINGS SECURE 3RD; CELEBRATE SENIORS
February 10

In dramatic fashion, the Lady Vikings battled visiting Los Alamitos (1st place in Sunset & #4 in Orange County) to a 2-2 tie, securing 3rd place in league. Down 0-2 with less than 20 minutes to play the team rallied on goals from Senior Mariah Nogueira, and Junior Jordan O'Brien, to bring the team level. Marina is currently ranked #10 in Orange County.

In their final home game of the season, the girls celebrated also the final home game for 3 special seniors: Mariah, Kirsten Marony, and Alex McCollum.

Thank you so much for everything girls. We love you.

OT VICTORY PROPELS VIKINGS INTO CIF
February 3

For the 3rd year in a row, the Marina Vikings Girls Soccer team will compete in the CIF playoffs. It was an overtime victory against a tough Newport Harbor team that sealed the deal.

Junior Genessee Banks netted the game tying goal late in regulation to send the game into overtime, where Sophomore Breazy Luhrsen and Junior Brooke Springer each scored to solidify the victory and the teams place in CIF.

It was an exciting game! Congratuations girls!!! We are proud of you!

Next Home Game: Senior Game vs Los Alamitos - 3pm.

VIKINGS SPLIT WITH TOP CIF TEAMS
January 22

The Lady Vikings faced a difficult challenge, playing the CIF 3rd and 4th top team in a span of only 72 hours, spliting the results 1-1.

On Tuesday, the team traveled to Los Alamitos (ranked 3rd in CIF) and performed well in the first half. However, the rest of the match proved too challenging and the team losted 1-3. Junior Rebecca Cruz netted the lone goal late in the game.

Thursday's game with visiting Esperanza (4th in CIF & this year's Excalibur Tournament Champion) was a highly competitive showdown. Both teams played tough defensively. In the end, however, it was Senior Mariah Nogueira bending her 9th goal of the season around the Esperanza wall.

The girls go into league halftime 3-2 (the other loss was to Newport Harbor in Overtime).

Next Home Game: Edison- Monday, Feb 2nd.

VIKINGS PREVAIL IN LEAGUE OPENER AS MARIAH NETS 3
January 9

Stanford-bound senior Mariah Nogueira led the offensive surge against visiting Fountain Valley HS putting in all 3 goals in a hard fought 3-1 victory on Thursday at Marina High.

After trailing 0-1 early, Mariah netted her first goal of league, smashing a low-driven ball from inside the 18. In the second-half, the senior found the back of the net twice off set pieces to seal the first opening game victory for the Vikings in over 5 years.

Next Home Game: Esperanza- Thursday, Jan. 22th.

VIKINGS FIGHT THROUGH TO SEMI-FINALS
December 30

In their first appearance at the North Orange County Classic, the Marina Lady Vikings went on a 4 game winning streak to advance to the tournament semi-finals.Key efforts by seniors Mariah Nogueira and Alex McCollum lead the charge.

The team nearly advanced to the final game, however the streak ended with a losing-end of a penalty kick shootout. Overall, there were many successes that are praise-worthy. Congratulations girls!!

Next Home Game: ALUMNI GAME - Wed. Dec. 31st 11am.

VIKINGS SPLIT TOURNAMENT; ENDING WITH BIG WIN
December 21

The Lady Vikings ended the Mater Dei Premier Invitational with a 1-0 victory against the host school. Late in the game, senior Alex McCollum received the ball at the top of the penalty box and was fouled. Teammate, and senior, Mariah Nogueira scored the free kick by bending around the outside of the wall to give the Vikings it's first victory of the season.

In the other games, Marina tied Arcadia 2-2, and lost to Mission Viejo in the final 5 minutes, 0-1, spliting the tournament 1-1-1.

The team celebrated the exciting win with a trip to IN-N-OUT where there were double-doubles and fries galore!

Congratulations girls. Keep working hard!

Next Home Game: ALUMNI GAME - Wed. Dec. 31st 11am.

TEAM RETURNS FROM BIG BEAR VARSITY RETREAT
December 15

This past weekend the Lady Vikings ventured up to Big Bear for their annual team retreat. The girls learned about each other through various activities including team meetings, bonding events, and even a RockBand concert!!!

Special thanks goes to the following for their support and help with the retreat:

Zillah Salcido Diane Wasielewski Greg Gehris Jeff & Lisa Thompson Sandra Rosas

Eric & Sherri Huff Robin Edwards Bill Struett Rebecca Carr

Next Home Game: ALUMNI GAME - Wed. Dec. 31st 11am.

VIKINGS BATTLE TITANS TO SCORELESS DRAW
December 11

In a positive showing, the Lady Vikings battled a tough and talented Tesoro team to scoreless draw. The two teams, facing each other 5 times in 3 seasons, procuded another exciting game.

Freshman Raquel Rosas had another solid game in the back and Junior Rebecca Cruz played tough as nails to bolster the defensive effort. In a suprise move, Junior Genesse Banks made several terrific runs forward and took some powerful shots at goal.

This game concluded all pre-season home games for the Lady Vikings this season.

Next Home Game: ALUMNI GAME - Wed. Dec. 31st 11am.

TOUGH FIGHT FOR VIKINGS; DROP TO POLY 0-1
December 9

Another 2nd half goal drops the visiting Lady Vikings by the score of 0-1. Long Beach Poly, hosting their first game of the year, played strong and composed, holding Marina to a few outside chances.

On a brighter note, the team ventured down the road to the world famous Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles, for a consolation prize.

Next Home Game: Thurs. 12/11 - vs Tesoro

VIKINGS FIGHT HARD; TIE EL MODENA
December 4

A late goal in the final five minutes leveled the teams at one goal each. It was somewhat of a disappointment for the visiting Lady Vikings who had fought hard for much of the game.

Sophomore Devon Shinn put the team up 1-0 on a goal 24 minutes into the first-half. Sophomore Shauna Salcido made a strong run up the sideline and crossed the ball deep into the penalty box. After some chaos, Shinn was able to put her foot on it and hit it into the goal.

Despite the disappointment at giving up a late goal, the team played with great heart and improved their play.

Thanks to everyone for coming out to show your support!

Next Home Game: Thurs. 12/11 - vs Tesoro

OILERS SQUEEK PAST VIKINGS
December 2

For the first time in 3 years, the Marina Vikings started off their season with a loss. In the final five minutes of play, the visiting Huntington Beach Oilers were able to find the net, giving them a 1-0 victory.

First games are never easy - new players, new formations, new experiences. But the Lady Vikings played a terrific game of heart and effort as nine newcomers saw action.

Most notable performances were had by Sophomore Breane Luhrsen, Junior Kelly Mitsumori, and Freshman Raquel Rosas, who played the entire game.

The crowd support was terrific as family and friends came to cheer the team on. Thanks for your support!!

Next Home Game: Thurs. 12/11 - vs Tesoro