Before the season started, the Zillah girls soccer team set a modest goal of winning at least three games. But when the Leopards hit their target just three games in, they had to recalibrate.

“When we came out and won three games right away, we had to readjust our expectations,” first-year head coach Jenny Young said. “Then we lost a couple of games to Royal and Wahluke, and we had a conversation about where everyone was at mentally. The girls agreed that they could win six or seven games and maybe compete for a playoff spot.”

The Leopards added a fourth victory last week when they defeated College Place 2-0 at home, jumping into a fourth-place tie in the SCAC standings with Wahluke — a team they lost to 2-1 in early September.

Those four victories represent the most wins Zillah has had since the program was rebooted nine years ago. And the Leopards still have games remaining against the four teams they have beaten: Wapato, Connell, Kiona Benton and College Place. 

If Zillah manages to reach the SCAC district tournament, it would be the first time the program has played a postseason game since arriving on the scene in 2016. 

“I think the playoffs are doable, but it’s not going to be easy,” said Young, whose squad sits at 4-3 heading into Thursday’s matchup with first-place Cashmere. “I just want the girls to keep improving, and if the result of that is wins, then that’s awesome. All I can ask for is for them to get better every game.”

Young has been relying heavily on an experienced core that features senior forward Addie Johnston, junior defender Angelina Buck, junior forward Laila Flores and sophomore midfielder Charlee Davenport. 

Seniors Lisi Mendez, Lia Linstrand, Lydia Crowther and Esperanza Alejandre have been steady contributors, along with goalkeepers Kat Heilman and Alivia Hendren. Freshman Elena Jamison is also beginning to make her mark for the Leopards.

“We have a ton of natural athletes,” Young said. “We’re learning something new every game, and being able to get four wins this early is huge for the girls’ confidence. Now they know they can do it, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.”

 

SCAC — CASHMERE has set a high bar in the first half of league play, rolling to a 7-0 record heading into Thursday’s matchup with Zillah. The Bulldogs are averaging 7.3 goals per game thus far and have already taken down defending league champion Naches Valley and playoff contender Royal. Leading the way for Cashmere are senior Alyssa Soria and juniors Addison Talley, Gwen Ledesma, Sydney McIver and Brynne Patrick. … NACHES VALLEY expects to contend for another league title this year with returning SCAC Player of the Year Emmaria Mendoza, her freshman sister Amarylis Mendoza, and first-team all-league defender Finley Hahn-Keenan. The Rangers are 5-1-1 heading into Thursday’s game against Wapato.

 

CWAC — SELAH seized sole possession of first place in the standings Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over previously undefeated East Valley. Five senior captains — Sophie Blodgett, Elayna Blodgett, Braylee Pendleton, Reese Robinson and Lily St. Mary — give the Viks much-needed leadership on and off the field. A solid core of youngsters, led by sophomore Maddie Phinney and freshmen Lacy Patterson, Harper Tilley, Bentlie Webster and Kaylee Hall, have helped Selah post a 3-0 record to start CWAC play (5-3 overall). … EAST VALLEY also expects to be there at the end with senior Ariana Lopez and her Valley-best 21 goals leading the way. Senior all-CWAC goalkeeper Kate Ketcham, junior all-conference selections Allison Fries and Rebecca Swearingen, and sophomore winger Natalie Mendoza have also been key to the Red Devils’ 7-1-1 start (2-1 CWAC). 

CBBN — To no one’s surprise, defending league champion WENATCHEE is setting the pace, improving to 4-0 in the CBBN (7-0-1 overall) with a 3-2 overtime win over Eastmont on Wednesday. The Panthers haven’t been blowing teams out, but they have done enough to take down league rivals Eisenhower, West Valley, Moses Lake and Davis. Guiding the offense for Wenatchee have been juniors Berkeley Boles and Lauren Grosdidier, while sophomore Ellison Eastman and senior Madison Norton have been holding down the back line. … SUNNYSIDE won its first league match 1-0 over West Valley on Tuesday night and has posted a 3-3-2 record after snapping a 27-match winless streak earlier this season. Team leaders for the Grizzlies include Natalie Lopez, Victoria Navarro, Zyanna Hernandez and Mia Garcia.