H.S. SOCCER: Young Clovis girls team aims to be force in 2-6A

CLOVIS — With plenty of graduation losses from last season, it shouldn't be a surprise this season is somewhat of a rebuilding job for the Clovis High girls soccer team.

But seventh-year coach Traci Sievers doesn't think that means the current Wildcat roster can't regroup and compete in its second — and final — year in District 2-6A.

"We do have a lot of freshman this season who have been stepping up," Sievers said. "With one returning starter as a senior and only two seniors on the roster which are Aubrie Gershon and Mariah Loya, the freshmen are going to be stepping in to help as well as our sophomores. So it'll be a little bit of a regrouping season."

Clovis opens the season today on the road at Lovington, and opens its home slate 3 p.m. Saturday against Hobbs at Leon Williams Stadium.

Last season, the Lady Cats went 11-8-1 overall with a 5-5 mark in District 2-6A, which will be eliminated next season when New Mexico Activities Association returns to the five-classification format.

The Wildcats admit it was tough to go from their traditional district with Hobbs, Carlsbad and Alamogordo to be part of a district with four Albuquerque schools and Santa Fe High. This year, they know what to expect.

"I say we're a little bit more comfortable this season after seeing a new competition last year," said junior defender Jazmin Valdez. "The district was tougher last year, but as long as we keep our composure and with the good chemistry we have, we should be fine this season."

Sievers said despite the heavy senior numbers last year — nine players on the 2016 roster — plenty of young players were able to log minutes and contribute, which she thinks will pay off this season.