Girls water polo: The New and Improved Lightning

Steve Virgen

NEWPORT COAST - Apparently, first impressions are important for the

Sage Hill High girls soccer team. In its inaugural varsity season, the

unbeaten Lightning has improved in numbers and in talent with evidence in

their 4-0-1 record.

Sage Hill had just eight players on its roster last year, when Coach

Amy Peterson asked athletes from other sports to help out on game days.

This season, Peterson actually made cuts after tryouts and the roster has

increased to 18.

There are no seniors at the school, so Peterson is extremely confident

in what she will have next year.

“We’ll definitely be better next year,” said Peterson, who is just as

excited about this season. “The program is just going to keep getting

better and continue to grow.”

Peterson is no stranger to improvement. She witnessed the process

throughout her years at Marina High. As a senior, in 1993, she helped the

soccer team win a share of the CIF Southern Section Division I title. She

scored a goal in a 1-1 tie in the title game with Claremont.

After Marina, Peterson continued her career at USC. Now, she’s busy

making a contender of Sage Hill in the Academy League.

The Lightning has several threats on offense, which are triggered by

the defense led by junior sweeper Kelly Jewell, a team captain. Freshman

goalkeeper Laura Gordon is also a leader on defense and freshman Casey

McMackin also supports in the net, while freshman team captain Mackenzie

O’Brien contributes defensively in the middle.

The offensive threats include junior forward Alexi Hands, who has five

goals this season, and freshman Amy Werblin, who also has five goals.

Gordon and Werblin, both have twin sisters on the team, Lesley Werblin

and Rebecca Gordon, who are starters.

“They all get along with each other very well,” Peterson said. “They

all have good hearts and want to win and that’s a good combination.”

SAGE HILL HIGH GIRLS SOCCER

Brittany Barrak So.

Kendra Bostwick So.

Desiree Carver-Thomas Fr.

Megan Curry So.

Laura Gordon Fr.

Rebecca Gordon Fr.

Alexi Hands Jr.

Caitlin Hardesty Fr.

Kelly Jewell Jr.

Casey McMackin Fr.

Ashley Negrette So.

Mackenzie O’Brien Fr.

Katrina Redelsheimer So.

Caroline Sauter Fr.

Jessica Torina Fr.

Laura Webb So.

Amy Werblin Fr.

Lesley Werblin Fr.

Coach: Amy Peterson