Cavegirls soccer season awards handed out

CARLSBAD – The Carlsbad girls soccer team handed out its 2015 team and District 4-6A awards during Monday’s end-of-the-year banquet.

Sophomore defender Mariel Gomez won the team’s most valuable player award and was selected to the first all-district team. Junior midfielder Julie Thompson won offensive player of the year and was also selected to the first all-district team. Junior forward Tessa Graham, the Cavegirls’ fighting spirit award recipient, was named to the first all-district team as well.

Thompson and Graham combined for 30 goals scored in 2015.

Freshman defender Jensen Leivo was named Carlsbad’s defensive player of the year and was named to the second all-district team.

“The girls had to deal with more than their share of issues, [including] injuries, lineup changes, and changing formations,” coach Misty Long said via email Wednesday morning. “These experiences allowed them to grow as individuals and as a team. Now we know we can change things up to cause other teams issues, and a lot of girls were able to get a lot of varsity playing time which will help us in the future.”

Carlsbad went 12-7-2 this season, 2-3-1 in District 4-6A competition. Key victories included wins over Las Cruces Centennial and Hobbs.

They lost 4-0 at Cibola in the first round of the 6A state tournament on Oct. 31.

The Cavegirls said goodbye to seniors Lauren Chiri and Ashton McCormick.

Carlsbad will return its key group for 2016 – including Thompson, Graham, Gomez, sophomore midfielder Rylee Hoover and junior forward Lauryn Wade.

CAVEGIRL TEAM AWARDS

Most Valuable Player: Mariel Gomez

Offensive Player of the Year: Julie Thompson

Defensive Player of the Year: Jensen Leivo

Most Improved Player: Chloe Hervol

Unsung Hero: Gabby Aragon

Hustle: Rylee Hoover

Fighting Spirit: Tessa Graham

Sportsmanship: Lauren Chiri

Coaches Award: Nyah Chacon and Patti Oliver

Spirit of a Cavegirl: Ashton McCormick

DISTRICT 4-6A AWARDS

First team: Tessa Graham, Julie Thompson, Mariel Gomez

Second team: Lauryn Wade, Gabby Aragon, Jensen Leivo, Madison Austin

Honorable mention: Patti Oliver