By: Jordan Frantz and Bostyn Hillibush

The Bellbrook Women’s Soccer team began its season 6-0-2, ranking 11th in the Division II state poll. The women’s soccer team hasn’t begun a season undefeated since 2019 when they were 3-0. The Eagles are on track for a historical season. 

With a 7-9-2 record last season, the team knew a change needed to be made. 

“I think that the team chemistry this year is better than any other year,” senior captain Alyssa Peh said. “I feel like there is no division between grade levels and everybody gets along on and off the field.”

With only one freshman and two sophomores on the varsity team, the Eagles are mainly junior and senior led. 

“The leadership is why I’m most thankful that I play in high school,” freshman Ashelyn Barrios said. “Because of all the people I look up to.” 

Earlier this season in a tough match against Beavercreek, the team was down 1-0 at the half. The team managed to score two goals in the second half, resulting in a 2-1 win.  

“Players in and out of the game were constantly encouraging one another and building off of one another’s energy,” junior captain Caitlyn Hansen said. “It makes the atmosphere that much better and encourages everyone to push even further and work even harder.” 

It’s the team’s first ever win against Beavercreek Women’s Soccer. 

With 25 goals for and 7 goals against, the team continues to dominate, game after game. Lily Schindler currently leads the offense with 7 goals and Georgie Earley not far behind with 6. Mara Donnerberg has 4.

However, it is not just the offense that has been a powerhouse this season. The defense is composed of 4 juniors: Avery Young (left back), Julia Fleck (center back), Georgie Earley (right back), and Jordan Frantz (goalkeeper). With 4 shutouts and 7 goals allowed in 7 games, the defense is holding its ground.

Head Coach of the women’s soccer team, Brad Stork, is seeing confidence and hopefulness from the team. 

“I feel there is a lot more confidence both within individual players, but also as a team,” Stork said. “Last season’s schedule was one of the most challenging in the state and even though we had a losing record, we only had minus 1 goal. I think the girls started believing that we could compete against anyone.” 

Against No. 6 in the state Springboro, the Eagles were able to match the Panthers’ speed, energy and intensity step for step. 

 “Going into the game we knew they were good and this wasn’t a game we could just walk into and win,“ junior captain Jordan Frantz said. “As soon as Georgie [Earley] scored our third goal, I knew we weren’t walking out of there with a loss. The team’s energy and encouragement was through the roof.”