TEAM PLAYER—Bridget Berman has made a position change from midfielder to defender because of injuries. Photo courtesy of Greg Allen The Warriors have been a dominant force this decade.

Westlake High’s girls’ soccer team has won five Marmonte League titles and finished second in league three other times under 10-year head coach Frank Marino.

The Warriors won a CIFSouthern Section Division II championship in 2003.

Westlake has another strong team this season.

“We’re pretty balanced,” Marino said. “We graduated only a handful of players. To have most of the starting group back has been beneficial. A lot of people are comfortable in their roles.”

WHS started 4-2-1, but there have been hiccups along the way.

Senior defender Sara Riazi and junior midfielder Mary Case are both recuperating from torn ACLs in their knees. Case is out for the season, but Riazi could make a late return, Marino said.

Bridget Berman, who will play at UC Davis on a scholarship next year, has filled in at center back for Riazi. Berman has never played the position before, but she has welcomed the unfamiliar role for the greater good of the team.

“We didn’t have a choice,” Berman said.

Berman, normally a midfielder, is doing all she can to aid a rebuilt defense that also features juniors Chloe Wheeler, Megan Moore and Briana Linares.

Riazi will play at the University of Denver after she graduates.

“We’re a brick wall,” Berman said of the WHS defense. “We try not to let anyone get by us. We talk to our center-mids and try to help them out as much as possible.

“We try to control the ball. Overall, I’m really impressed with the four of us.”

The Warrior said being the last line of defense before the goalkeeper has been interesting.

“It’s definitely scarier,” Berman said. “If you mess up, it’s all on you. You’re the last one back.”

Senior Andrea Todak and sophomore Taylor Perry are leading the team in scoring at forward.

The Dayton-bound Todak said Westlake has balance throughout the lineup.

“There are a lot of people on the team who are able to get the job done,” she said. “We don’t have one person who does everything.”

After scoring only one goal in six non-league games, Todak notched a hat trick during Westlake’s 5-2 victory against Thousand Oaks in the league opener last week.

Todak enjoyed her three-goal gem, but she knows the Warriors have a long way to go.

“I think a lot of teams in this league have a chance to win,” the left-footed striker said. “Every game is a big game. You can’t take a day off. We have to play our hardest each game.”

Senior Nicole Gilbert can play forward or defense.

Malinda Parham, a junior, is a talented and skilled midfielder.

Freshman Arielle Ship and sophomore Bianca Riazi patrol the midfield. Emily Bredberg, Kirsten Jakob and Julia Ozello have been rotating in the lineup.

Alexandra Altman, Jordan Best, Autumn Fox, Jessica Garnett and Mackenzie Ring also contribute for Westlake.

The Warriors are spending the holiday season away from the practice field. They will resume their rugged trek through the Marmonte maze on Wed., Jan. 6 at Newbury Park.

“I think our goal, like it was last year, is to make the playoffs,” said Marino, whose charges were bounced in the first round of the Division I playoffs last season. “We will do whatever it takes to make the playoffs.

“I want us to continue to get better with each game and learn from our mistakes. One thing I like is we have good chemistry. The girls like being around each other. If we can continue to play hard and well, I think we’ll continue to be successful.”