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Hawks climb to No. 1 in the state in MaxPreps rankings
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Central Valleys varsity girls soccer team has enjoyed a memorable start to the 2017-18 campaign. The Hawks collected nine wins, no losses and two ties during the preseason. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Central Valley's varsity girls soccer team made program history by climbing to No. 1 in the state and No. 12 in the nation in the MaxPreps rankings on Friday.

"Obviously, I'm happy," Central Valley head coach Miguel Larranga said. "It's amazing. I wasn't expecting it because there are a lot of high schools out there. It happened because the girls are working hard."

Junior midfielder/halfback Mixtly Vega passed along the exciting news to her Hawk teammates.

"She saw it and shared it in our group chat," Central Valley senior center midfielder Mariana Garibay said. "We were all shocked. It's pretty special. I was personally congratulated by a teacher."

The Hawks collected nine wins, no losses and two ties during the preseason.

"We got a good group of girls playing beautiful soccer," Larranaga said. "They know what they're doing. They don't get stressed. That makes a difference."

Added Garibay: "We work really well together."

The Hawks wrapped up their non-conference schedule at the Central Valley Showcase this past weekend at Stockton's Delta College.

Central Valley compiled a 1-0-1 record.

"Every game was tough," Larranaga said. "It was a good experience for the girls. We got to see what's out there."

Central Valley edged Lodi 1-0 Saturday afternoon.

Jocelyn Lopez accounted for the game's lone goal.

The Hawks and Tracy Bulldogs battled to a 1-1 tie Saturday morning.

Lopez scored for Central Valley.

Junior midfielder/halfback Amanda Calvo picked up the assist.

"I am very surprised," Larranaga said while talking about his team's unbeaten record. "I wasn't expecting this. It's not easy. It's a lot of work, dedication and years of practicing. Every day, they're getting better."

The Hawks will be vying for their third straight Western Athletic Conference title this winter.

"We've already accomplished so much," Garibay said. "Hopefully, we play the same in the WAC."

Added Larranaga: "It's early in the season. We have a long way to go. There are good teams out there we haven't played."