Huskies to field new starters as they aim for strong season

OTHELLO — After falling in the Central Washington Athletic Conference district tournament to Prosser, the Othello girls soccer team will feature plenty of new starters when they take the field this fall.  

The Huskies saw seven seniors graduate, including forward Naraiah Guzman and midfielder Stephanie Gonzalez, who both received honorable mentions on the CWAC’s all-league team for girls soccer. Two all-leaguers are set to return this fall in seniors Emi Pruneda and junior Lovie Franco; the former was a first-team all-league goalkeeper, and the latter was an honorable mention at defender.  

Othello finished the 2023 season with a 7-12 record; after beginning the year with a 3-0 mark and non-league wins over Connell, Quincy and Shadle Park, the Huskies fell in nine of their next 11 games heading into mid-October. A win over Ellensburg helped widen the gap above the Bulldogs in the CWAC regular season standings, eventually leading to the Huskies qualifying for the district tournament.  

Following a loss to Prosser in the opening round, Othello was faced with a shootout on the road against Ephrata to keep its season alive; Pruneda recorded three saves and helped the Huskies defeat the Tigers 1-0, winning 2-1 in the penalty shootout. Othello’s season ended with a 2-0 loss to Prosser. 

    Othello senior Launa Mollotte (2) looks to take the ball away from a Grandview defender during a game last fall.
  

    Othello senior Emi Pruneda saves a goal from being scored during the 2023 Central Washington Athletic Conference district tournament.