The girls soccer team kicked of the 2016 season slowly with four losses in six games, but hope to turn it around for the remainder of the season

The girls opened the year with a 3-0 defeat to rival Bridgewater-Raritan, followed by two losses to highly competitive Hopewell Valley and Hunterdon Central. The girls had a strong showing in their following game, as they defeated Phillipsburg in a 4-0 shutout, and won their most recent showing against North Hunterdon.

The raiders are up against some stiff competition this season, as they are participating in the extremely competitive Skyland Conference.

“Four teams in our conference are rated in the top twenty,” head coach Lee Ann Best said.

The team is looking to improve on last years record of 8-8-1, and to advance even further in the county and state tournaments.

On the field, the lady raiders are led by their three senior captains, Carly Swetz, Alana Baron, and Kristen Malebranche.

Returning for their junior season are the leading goal scorers from a season ago, Amelia Curtis and Lauren Mazich. According to Best, they each bring great experience and scoring abilities.

“My goal is to improve as a player this season,” Curtis said. “Hopefully, I can help lead the team to victory.”

Raider soccer is bringing in a strong group of athletes new to varsity, including some strong freshmen who will likely be a part of the program for years to come.

Sharing the net with goalkeeping responsibilities this season are sophomore Olivia Bandola and freshman Jillian Stanton.

The team will take the field again on Friday, as the girls look to notch their third victory of the season when they take on West Windsor-Plainsboro South.