TAFT, CA – Last week on Tuesday, October 28, the Taft College Lady Cougars Soccer Team faced another challenging game, ultimately falling 0-1 to College of Sequoias. Despite the scoreline, it was evident that the team had made considerable strides in skill and teamwork. The players have shown marked improvement, enhancing their ability to control and advance the game. Yet, the final execution, the "icing on the cake", continues to elude them at crucial moments.

Taft College Head Women's Soccer Coach Lyle Martin, Jr. expressed his comments, "I've observed our development with pride; our players are evolving not just in technique but in understanding the game. Nonetheless, there's a vital element we still need to harness, the determination to clinch tight games. This loss was particularly frustrating as it came against a team where, frankly, we should be securing points. At times, our play lacks the directed purpose and intensity needed to turn our control of the game into victories."

The mental toughness required to grind out a win, especially under pressure, is something the need to cultivate. As the Lady Cougars prepare for their upcoming match against Clovis on Friday at 12:30 pm, the focus is clear. Coach Martin added, "We need to channel our improvements into tangible results and ignite the kind of fierce competitiveness that defines champions. The fight is far from over, and it's time for us to make a significant mental shift to reach the heights we're capable of."