By Sydney Andrade and Aaron Geerts
Express staff writers
Basketball
Women’s varsity
Another week of Warrior basketball tipped off starting with the Winters High School women’s varsity team squaring off against Anderson Union High School last Monday, Dec. 12.
The Cubs stepped off the bus and unleashed a tidal wave of offense. While the Warriors tried their best to withstand it, they ended up getting washed away in a 76–49 loss.
Shaking off the loss, the Warriors traveled up to Williams Junior Senior High School on Thursday, Dec. 15 to take on the Yellowjackets. Albeit was a low-scoring game, the Winters squad stung the Yellowjackets winning 35–22.
The Warriors were supposed to take on Vacaville Christian the following day, however, the Falcons had to forfeit due to illness.
“The Anderson game was good. We learned about who we are as a team and how we have to match the other team’s energy. I thought that was potentially a really good game for us to experience, we just need to get healthy. We have a bunch of kids sick and hurt, and with our new style of play, I really need 14 girls suited up and ready to go,” said head coach, Jeff Christian. “If we can do that, we can have a lot of fun this year. This season is moving fast and we haven’t quite been able to get everybody together, so to say. My fingers are crossed that these next couple of weeks we’ll get healthy so we can go out, have fun and start learning and growing.”
Men’s varsity
The men’s varsity team also laced up for their week of competition starting with an away game against Dixon High School. The Rams proved to be tough competition — as they usually are — and sent the Warriors home with a 52–31 loss.
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the Warriors hosted Williams. The Yellowjacket offense splattered like a bug on a windshield against the Warrior defense, and the Winters squad would mark a solid, 55–42 victory on its record.
Then the men’s varsity team would take on the Woodland High School Wolves on Dec. 17 in a grueling showdown. Although a tight game going into the final seconds, the Warriors gift-wrapped a nice “L” for the Wolves to take home as Winters would win 42–39.
“Monday, we headed to Dixon and faced a great team and a fun environment. Our defense kept the game close early on, but ultimately, they got the win with some hot shooting and turnovers by us. Then Tuesday we faced Williams and it was a hard-fought game with some back and forth in the early parts of it. Our team defense was great, causing turnovers and easy buckets to create a nice lead. All 12 guys contributed to the win which is always a great feeling,” raved head coach Brendan McShea. “We also had a rematch against Woodland and it’s always hard to play a team twice. We struggled early with turnovers, and that’s part of the deal when we want to play fast and move the ball around. Our team is starting to learn how to do that without as many turnovers, but it takes time. We continued to compete, and after some big shots by Anthony Duran down the stretch and great defense by AJ Pignataro and Marcus Lopez, we were up three with 10 seconds left and caused a miss at the buzzer to win in front of another great crowd.”
Soccer
Women’s varsity
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the WHS women’s varsity soccer team won its home non-conference game against Williams by a score of 5–0.
The women started off strong in the first half scoring four goals and then getting their fifth goal in the second half. They demonstrated great communication, teamwork and determination to win. The women’s soccer team is full of talent and are already off to a very promising season with 3–2 record so far for the non-conference games.
Lilianna Rodriguez is currently leading with the most goals. Yarethzy Sanchez is leading the team with assists and shots at goal, while Kylie Baker is leading the team with the most steals.
During these non-conference games, Winters has gone head-to-head with some tough competitors outside of their division — including its biggest rivals the Rams at Dixon and Rio Vista High Schools.
The WHS women’s varsity soccer team will play their next game at home at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5 at Dr. Sellers Football field. This will be the last non-league game before the official season starts.
Men’s varsity
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the WHS men’s varsity soccer team also went head-to-head against Willams and tied their home non-conference game by a score of 1–1.
The men are also off to a great start on the season. With a 2-1-2 record, meaning they have two wins, one loss and two ties. They have also battled some tough competitors in higher divisions including the Rams from Dixon and Rio Vista High Schools.
Sebastian Pedraza is currently leading with the most goals and shots at goal. Noel Gutierrez is leading with assists and Christian Hernandez is leading the team in steals.
The Winters men’s varsity soccer team will also play their next game at home following the women at 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 5 at Dr. Sellers Football field.
