GIRLS SOCCER
The girls varsity soccer team defeated the Olathe South Falcons on March 21, 3-0. The Huskies struggled early, having difficulties with ball movement and executing plays offensively. After finding a rhythm, however, the team began building momentum when senior Kate Rooney scored a crucial goal that allowed Northwest to take the lead over the Falcons. Rooney’s offensive performance was a major contributor to the team’s success with multiple shots on goal and an assist, as well as one goal. Coach Michelle Pothoven emphasized Rooney’s energy and its impact on the team’s victory.
“Kate is our energizer bunny, she’s our playmaker,” Pothoven said. “The fact that she had an assist and a goal just summed it up, that’s her impact on the team, she does that for us.”
Rooney understands that communication with her teammates is essential at all times.
“Communication is key, especially in soccer. It’s a big game, there’s a lot of people on the field, it’s really chaotic…telling them what side to turn on, what foot you can pass to, is really helpful, especially in that fast of a game,” Rooney said.
BOYS TENNIS
The boys varsity tennis opened their season with a dominating performance against Shawnee Mission Northwest with a full sweep against every opponent in both their doubles and singles matches on March 19. Senior Nikhil Aedma displayed impressive performances in his singles and doubles matches, defeating his opponents 8-3 in both games. Coach Jared Fluis acknowledged Aedma’s dedication to the sport and praised him for his hard work prior to the start of the season.
“He’s always staying after practice playing matches or hitting with teammates, so that’s definitely helped him prepare,” Fluis said. “I think mentally, too, the more you play, get more reps in, you’re going to be more consistent.”
Coach Fluis also emphasized Aedma’s role as a team captain and the importance of his leadership to other players.
“He’s always helping out other players if they need it, reminding people what they need to be doing [and] he’s very positive. He’s just been one of those guys that any coach is lucky to have,” Fluis said.
Aedma mentioned that he still has ways to improve moving forward, regardless of his victories.
“I didn’t play as good as I thought I would…I need to work on returns and serves,” Aedma said. “I just need to take it one point at a time…and get in the right mindset, and then get out on the court and perform.”
