Three players from the Orestimba High girls soccer team were recently named to the All-Trans-Valley League Second Team. Forward Zaria Ledezma alongside midfielders Imelda Beltran and Hailee Andrade represented the Warriors in the accomplishment.

The accomplishment comes after a 2-16-1 audition, where the Warriors were winless in TVL play. Beltran led the team in scoring with three goals total.

While this season didn’t meet his expectations, head coach Alex Avila said having three players recognized for their efforts goes back to how they performed in matches and team practices.

Avila spoke highly of Ledezma, who had an unusual path to varsity. The junior forward was on junior varsity to start the season, and moved to up the varsity level later on, Avila said. This came after she initially tried for the varsity team, but didn’t make it.

He added “her story is a great story” for young athletes in showing perseverance and to not give up on their goals.

“It should be used as an example for some of these other girls that just because you don’t make varsity at the beginning of the season, [you] don’t give up and keep working,” Avila said about Ledezma.

With three senior players, including Andrade, graduating in May, the Warriors could have the majority of last season’s roster return next year. Some of those returners could include Beltran, Ledezma and keeper Andrea Islas.

In a season where the team lost four games by one goal, Avila said he expects better results next year, especially with an experienced roster.

“We had a lot of girls bump up from JV last season to varsity, so they have that varsity experience,” he said about next season. “One season under their belt should be a learning experience.”