Junior Varsity vs Culver Academies If you have been following the JV Girls soccer team, you are aware of the limited number of players this season. Some girls have been bouncing back and forth between JV and Varsity to help fill gaps because of injuries. The JV Lady Cavemen have earned the "Magnificent 11" nickname. With only 11 available players last night, and 70 straight minutes of non-stop soccer ahead of them, they traveled to battle Culver Military Academy on warm late afternoon. Culver started the game quick and pressured the Cavemen defense for the first 24 minutes. In true Cavemen fashion, the backline of Aniaha Williams, Norah Plonski, Elyse Taber, Lee Damp, and goalkeeper Laya Al Mahdawi held their own and waited for an opportunity. That opportunity came in the 25th minute when Al Mahdawi found Ciara Foley all alone in the middle of the field in transition. Foley quickly moved the ball up field, finding Alex Castillo-Matute on the edge, who after some great footwork tucked a shot just inside the near post off the CMA goalkeeper's hands. CMA tied the game in the 42nd minute and it remained tied until the final minute when the Lady Cavemen quickly advanced the ball down field, with Elyse Taber once again placing a perfect ball inside the opponents 18-yard box where a hand ball was called setting up the Cavemen for one last chance to win the game. Junior Jessica Quintana stepped up with confidence, and a few nerves, to take the penalty kick. Jessica struck the ball well, but just missed the back of the net and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Jessica's teammates showed class and sportsmanship as they surrounded her with support and reassurance that we win as a team, and we lose as a team. One moment in a game doesn't define you. The Magnificent 11 will travel to Plymouth this Saturday afternoon, to play their third game in five days. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30pm.