RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - It’s been 40 years since the advent of Title IX that Cordova Girls Soccer first started back in 1980. The program has seen its ups and downs over the years but since Head Coach Jay Ramey took the helm last year, it has definitely been on the up and up.  On Wednesday, February 12, 2020 the Cordova Girls Soccer team stepped on to the field to battle the Vikings of Valley High School for the last regular scheduled league competition.

When they stepped off the field as the referee sounded the final whistle, they stood as no other team in school history has ever stood before, as Champions. 

The 4-1 victory over Valley completed the Lady Lancer’s regular season league play with a record of 9-1, putting them in a tie for first with West Campus and a share of the championship. Each match against West Campus ended with a single goal difference. Three of Cordova’s four goals against Valley came off the foot of senior forward Annette Medina. Medina kicked her final goal late in the match, sealing the contest and making history for the girls’ soccer program. Germaine Fountain, one of the players on the first ever team had this to say about the team’s accomplishment, “Congratulations to the many young ladies over the years, we are proud of you, it’s been a long time coming.”

After the game, the pride on Coach Ramey’s face was quite evident.  He was seen embracing co-captain Adriana Flores, his Senior Lancer goalkeeper.  When asked about his goalkeeper, Ramey had to take a moment before speaking; he stated “Adriana volunteered to move from the field to between the posts. She has not played much at this position and had to work really hard. She was fearless all year, allowing only 4 goals to slip past her during league play”.

The Lancers went into the match without their leader and co-captain, Senior Gabby Maduri, 2019 Greater Sacramento League’s Defender of the Year. Even though Gabby was not able to play in the championship match, Coach Ramey said, “She was still the biggest fan on the sidelines, barking orders and keeping her teammates focused”. “Gabby is going to be an excellent coach someday,” said Ramey.

Coach Ramey was extremely proud of all his players this year. They practiced hard, played even harder and never gave up. Lancers graduating this year are Maduri, Logan Lammi, Karime Quevedo, Flores, Medina and Jewels Melendez. Their play and leadership will be missed.

The future of Cordova Girls Soccer seems bright.  They have a young team with many returning and seasoned players. Along with the six Seniors, this year’s squad featured 9 Junior players, two Sophomores and three Freshmen. Starting every game this year was 2019 All-League player Junior Maritza Negrete. Maritza’s play was a major part of this year’s success. She will certainly be a welcome sight when she returns next year. 

I want to personally congratulate Coach Jay Ramey, his coaching staff and all his players for their remarkable accomplishment this year. I wish them much success as they head into the playoffs for what will be only the sixth time in Lancer history.