This upcoming Monday, September 8, the 2025 Lakeview Girls High School Soccer team is set to compete in their biggest conference matchup of the season, battling head-to-head with the Poland Bulldogs. With Lakeview’s accomplished 5-1 overall record and undefeated 3-0 mark in the NE8 conference, and Poland entering at 3-1, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Although the Lakeview Lady Bulldogs fell just short against Poland last year with close 1-0 and 2-0 losses, their resolve has only intensified.
After a summer filled with relentless conditioning the Lakeview girls are ready to face this challenge head-on and seize the victory that narrowly escaped them.
Sophomore defender Jillian Marble reflects on the demanding summer conditioning the team underwent and how it has prepared them for the intensity of their upcoming clash with Poland. Marble highlights, “This summer we definitely trained more than we had the previous year. I feel like since we are more conditioned this year, we are more prepared for this game and have a better chance of winning.”
While Marble highlights how the physical preparation and conditioning gave the Lakeview Lady Bulldogs a stronger foundation this season, the team also relies heavily on their leadership and team chemistry to carry them through the moments when emotions run especially high.
The team’s journey this season is not just about physical strength, but about resilience and unity. Nowhere are these traits more embodied than in the guidance of their captains.
To better understand the teams’ preparation and mindset heading into this pivotal game, senior captain and defender Leah Clark offers her perspective on how she guides her teammates on and off the field. Clark notes, “On the field, I try to lead by example, play, and communication, especially as emotions run high. Off the field is definitely a bit different. I hope to help the team towards connection and individuals being confident in themselves. Overall I think it’s about consistency with the team and staying focused for those harder games.”
To Clark, being a captain is more than wearing the armband; her ability to communicate effectively and maintain focus both on and off the field reflects her unwavering leadership and what it means to be a captain and leader. This foundation of leadership, embodied by Clark, and reverberating throughout the entire team, will drive the Lakeview girls as they strive to make a statement this year.
Head Coach Heather Sferra also highlights how important confidence and motivation is to the team’s success: “Throughout the pre-season and start of the regular season, having the team gain confidence and motivation in themselves have been one of my goals as a coach. This game will be a test of the team’s confidence and motivation. The team has prepared physically at practices with drills, film, and conditioning. I’m looking for that team to find that motivation and confidence within themselves and their teammates against Poland.”
Poland, coming in hot with a 3-1 record is also seeking to put another win under their belt. With a strong and consistent lineup, it will definitely test Lakeview’s speed, skill, and defensive efforts. With so much on the line, both squads will do everything possible to dominate the field and claim victory. Which team will define greatness?
For Lakeview, this is more than just a game; it’s a chance to overcome the losses of last year and make a statement as top competitors in the NE8 conference. When the game kicks off at 7:30, the outcome could change the entire trajectory of Lakeview’s season, paving the way to conference success. Come out and support these girls as they show what it truly means to be a Lakeview Bulldog!
