The Sedona Red Rock High School girls soccer team consists of a strong group of athletes who are proving their strength and skill on the field and are being led by two dexterous captains.

The Scorpions are now 3-1 after beating both Bradshaw Mountain [2-5] and Page [1-4-1] in identical 2-1 double overtime games; losing to their biggest rival, the Mingus Union Marauders [3-1] 3-0; and annihilating Valley Lutheran [3-2] 8-0.

“They are equally strong,” Cadigan said earlier in the season. “We’re well-balanced, I should say. We have experienced players and the new kids are helping out.”

Most of the girls on the varsity team have been playing together since they were in elementary school, and that long-lasting chemistry undoubtedly gives them an edge on the field.

Leading the group are senior captains Jillian Bradshaw and Marissa Surber.

Both girls have been playing the sport for at least eight years, were influenced to play by friends and family members and look up to Alex Morgan, the striker for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

And both girls lead the team by example.

“I show up, am dedicated and try to stay happy all the time and not have a negative attitude,” said Bradshaw, who is the Scorpions’ feature forward.

“I work hard myself so I can motivate the others to do the same at every practice and game,” said Surber who was called the team’s “defense guru” by Coach Cadigan.

Bradshaw and Surber are pleased with the way the team has started the season, although the loss to Mingus Union stung a little.

For the full story, please see the Friday, Dec. 21, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.