Battling the Storm: Minarets Girls Soccer Faces Yosemite

February 25th, 2026 O'Neals, CA Allyza Ortiz-Ledesma, Reporter

Minarets girls soccer gathers around their coach. Photo by Jack Clinton

On February 10, 2026, Minarets girls soccer battled Yosemite High School in an intense game. Quickly, the game turned into a battle not only against Yosemite High School but also against the harsh weather. When the teams first arrived, the skies were sunny, but things soon took a turn for the worse as clouds began to roll in. The junior varsity game began under gray clouds, and what seemed like little chance of rain turned into a light sprinkle, keeping the girls on their toes. Despite the 2–0 loss, the junior varsity team played their hardest and gave a determined performance.

Player #21 lines up for the kick Photo by Jack Clinton

Our varsity girls soccer game began with light rain, though soon the rain began to pour down on both teams. What was once lush green grass turned into mud, and everyone was slipping. The clouds grew darker, and the faint sound of thunder could be heard in the distance. Not long after, lightning caused a short but intense mid-game pause, and both teams took shelter in nearby classrooms. After a long 30-minute delay, both teams finally returned to the muddy field and continued the fight. Without missing a beat, the girls quickly found their rhythm again, working together to push through the rain. Through communication, positioning, and a few adjustments to the conditions, the girls bounced back. The team played their very hardest, and though they lost 3–1, the girls held their heads high.

Minarets can’t wait to see the girls soccer team continue to grow together, not only physically but emotionally as well.

Written by Allyza Ortiz-Ledesma

Edited by Frannie Morris, Travis Padgett and Josephina Emerson

Photos by Jack Clinton