By: Stephanie Walstrom <[email protected]>

Two ties and the cancellation of a much anticipated rematch leave the women’s soccer team with only one win as it heads into the fifth game of the season. After suffering earlier-than-expected postseason losses the past two seasons, the team started off this season ranked second in preseason IHSAA polls.

“This year, we really want to get back the reputation we’ve had in the past of being the best,” Alexis Tryba, varsity soccer captain and senior, said.

Carmel women’s soccer won five consecutive State titles, its last in 2004, and has since then been unable to advance out of Sectional. On Aug. 25, Carmel was scheduled to face off against Noblesville, the team that knocked them out of Sectional last season. However, the game was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Carmel will not have a chance to play the Millers, who are currently ranked Number-2 according to the Sept. 4 rankings, again until Sectional. “As for this year, our team goal is to get better every day,” Head Coach Frank Dixon said. “The coaches feel that if we can do that we will have a very successful season.”

“I think one of the reasons the team is promising this year is because since we haven’t done as well as we hoped the past two years, we’re pumped up to come back and have a great season,” Cassie Zarvas, team manager and senior, said. Zarvas has played for Carmel since her freshman year, and was a varsity hopeful until a torn meniscus and partially torn ACL left her unable to finish tryouts.

“The returning seniors are role models for the younger girls on the team,” Tryba said. She said that she and her co-captain, goalie and senior Emma Gormley, have to take on more responsibilities. “I think the great senior leadership will make a big impact this year,” Zarvas said.

Carmel’s next game is at home next Wednesday against last year’s State runner up, North Central. Tryba said the team is excited for the season. “This year is about taking back Carmel soccer.”