Sports

McNary puts three on all-conference list

McNary midfielder Tessa Fisher was named second-team all-conference after leading the team in assists and scoring five goals (KEIZERTIMES/Matt Rawlings).

Three McNary girls’ soccer players received all-league recognition for their collective performances during the Mountain Valley Conference play — the Celtics reached the postseason for the first time since 2017 and for just the fifth time in the last 22 years. 

Junior midfielder Tessa Fisher was a second-team all-conference selection after leading the team in assists (3) and scoring five goals.

“Tessa is our anchor, everything goes through her and is fed through her. She connects our offense to our defense. She sees the field extremely well and is very comfortable on the ball,” McNary head coach Lauren Brouse said. “People look to Tess often because she does know the game so well. She leads by example. If Tessa isn’t there it is evident that a big part of our team is missing.”

Junior forward Sydnee Alfano received an honorable mention nod. Alfano led the team in scoring with eight goals and one assist on the season, including the go-ahead goal in a 2-1 win over Mountain View that sent the Celtics to the playoffs. 

“Sydnee is a silent leader. If she is off her game, the whole team is off their game. She is extremely dangerous up top and if you get her the ball she is going to score,” Brouse said. 

Senior defender Isabelle Gatchet was also an honorable mention selection, helping the Celtics back line to four clean sheets for the year. Gatchet also scored her lone goal of the season on a penalty kick against Mountain View. 

“Isabelle is the heart of our defense. She is a huge leader on the team and helps bring the girls together during difficult moments. She was the communicator for everyone,” Brouse said. “The girls looked to Isabelle a ton during the difficult moments of league play. She lifted the team up when they were down and helped bring them all back together.”