Photo By Liam Nevin

Junior Raegan Rossi dribbles the ball in a game earlier in the season. The girls soccer team won their league title.

The Rio girls varsity soccer team cruised through their league going undefeated with an 8-0-2 record, emerging first in the Capital Athletic League (CAL) after six years of second-place finishes.

With an incredible league campaign, the team was given the fourth seed in the Division 3 Sac Joaquin section playoffs. The Raiders won their first playoff game 4-0 against Rosemont, who themselves had an impressive 5-2-3 league record and 8-7-6 overall record.

The Raiders then tied Vista Del Lago 1-1 in the quarterfinal game after an enticing 80-minute game. Senior Sierra Betzler beat the defender on the right flank and crossed in a perfect ball for senior Dalilah Oakes to bury the ball in the back of the net for the breakthrough goal.

“When I scored I almost couldn’t believe it,” Oakes said. “I immediately ran to go celebrate with my teammates.” 

The Raiders ultimately won the game in extra time.

“I am very happy that we came away with the win,” Betzler said. “It is always a rivalry game against Vista and getting two assists against them in a playoff game is just the cherry on top for me.”

Furthering their streak, the Raiders got the 1-0 upset win against West Park at the semifinals. With 10 minutes left Sadie Burns took the corner kick and Betzler volleyed the goal.

They completed their league streak with a 1-0 win against Oakdale.

“I know it sounds silly but one of the things that has kept all of us locked in for this entire season is knowing that we have the opportunity to win a hat,” Betzler said.