Wolves look to build upon momentum, goodwill from 2012

If the Wolves were looking for sure footing coming into the 2012 season, they got it and maybe a bit more.

Now the bar is raised.

Sequim’s girls soccer program looks like one on the rise after posting five wins — the most since 2007 — and the team’s first postseason appearance in six campaigns.

"That was huge," co-head coach Julie Lancheros says. "Once they knew they could win, they started winning games."

The Wolves closed the 2012 season strong, winning three of their final six games, with two of their three losses in that span coming in overtime.

Now, coaches Julie and Victor Lancheros say, it’s time to raise the bar.

"If they work hard, they can succeed," Victor Lancheros says. "They have to learn things don’t come easy. The goal is to do better than last year."

Among the returning starters are leading scorer Leslie Cisneros (seven goals in 2012), Vianey Cadenas (five scores) and McKenzie Bentz (four), along with Makayla Bentz and third-year starter Maeve Harris, a junior.

Other key returnees include Shelby Lott and Audrey Shingleton.

The team is built to be strong for at least another season, coaches say, with 10 of the 14 upperclassmen in the junior grade. Along with the junior varsity squad, Sequim has nine in each of the sophomore and freshman classes.

With just 29 out for soccer, Victor Lancheros says he’s concerned about injuries plaguing a potentially landmark season.

"We’re going to try to keep everybody healthy," he says.

Part of shaping a successful program, coaches say, is helping the players bond.

"We try to make it a team sport … because it is," Victor Lancheros says. "Last year they became a team (with) a lot of good friendships, good sportsmanship. I expect to see the same this year."

The Wolves open the 2013 season tomorrow, Sept. 13, at North Kitsap, the 2012 Olympic League co-champs. Sequim hosts Kingston on Sept. 14 and Olympic on Sept. 17.

Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.