On April 1, Sadie Jacobson took the field at her first-ever home game. Buzzing with anticipation to play against Father Gabriel Richard, Jacobson stepped into her role, ready to defend or attack when needed. Yadira Contreras-Alvarez observed from the sidelines, watching her team play, and waiting for her time to shine. Both freshmen — Jacobson in the game and Contreras-Alvarez on the sidelines — embodied the energy and the promise of the season ahead for the Pioneer women’s soccer team, ready to make their mark on the field.

In the lead-up to the game, the Pioneer soccer team has always used a unique pregame ritual involving Starbursts. According to Sadie Jacobson, the custom was started by Coach Andrew and has become a team tradition. Before each game, players will often eat a Starburst for a burst of energy, and some even place the candy’s wrapper in their sock for good luck during the game.

“It’s supposed to give you energy,” Jacobson said. “I feel like I’d never know if it was a placebo effect or if it genuinely helps us win, but I’d like to think it helps us win.”

She highlights how the tradition adds a fun, lighthearted element to the pregame routine. Though some players, like Jacobson herself, have experimented with lucky hair ties in the past, the Starburst ritual became a symbol of the team’s unity and an unexpected source of motivation as they took to the field.

Jacobson, who played as an outside back, had an action-packed game. Despite the nerves of playing in her first home game, she found herself involved in attacking, fulfilling her role in Pioneer’s fast-paced, high-pressing style of play.

“I was really nervous, especially since we started the season a bit rough,” Jacobson said. “But I trusted everyone on the team.”

Her efforts paid off when she assisted a goal, passing the ball to her teammate after a rebound from the goalie.

“I didn’t think it was going to go in because it was so sideways, but it was such a great shot,” Jacobson said.

Contreras-Alvarez, who was subbed in as a left-forward, also made an impact despite not starting the game. Although the nerves were there at first, she quickly got into the rhythm of the team.

“I was kind of nervous because they were a pretty good team, but overall, I was just excited to get back out there,” Contreras-Alvarez said.

As a forward, she was focused on pressing high and trying to create chances and her aggressive playing and positioning were important in keeping Father Gabriel Richard on their toes.

In the first half, Pioneer scored a goal that was initially counted but later disallowed by the referees. The ball appeared to have crossed the goal line but was ruled out, leaving some players and fans confused as to what the score was.

“I personally thought it went in,” Contreras-Alvarez said. “It looked like it was in the goal, but the refs decided otherwise.”

Despite the confusion, Pioneers’ performance never wavered and they finished the match with an impressive victory of 4-0.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, both players are excited about the team’s growth.

“I’m excited to see everyone improve and for us to win a few games,” Jacobson said.

Contreras-Alvarez echoed this idea, adding that soccer has always been a passion of hers.

“It’s the first sport I ever played, and I’ve just been playing it my whole life. It feels good to play and have fun,” Contreras-Alvarez said.

While the season has just begun, both Yadira and Sadie have big hopes for the future, both on the field and off. As their journey continues, their bond as freshmen growing into their roles on the team will undoubtedly fuel the momentum for the season ahead.