The Pleasant Valley boys soccer team is looking to be a contender in the state tournament this spring. After starting the season with four straight wins and a sixth place ranking in 3A teams, the boys hit a setback after being defeated by Burlington, who they had previously beat, on Tuesday. The team still looks very promising, however, as they are beginning MAC play.

Isaac Ward, sophomore, still has very high hopes for the season. He said, “The team is still very focused on the goal of winning the MAC conference and competing for a state title.” Ward is hoping to keep his level of play up. He is currently leading the team in assists and is tied for the team lead in goals. Ward said, “I just need to keep working hard in practice and that will translate to success in games. My main goal is to help the team win games, not my stats.”

Up to this point, PV’s defense has been very good. The defense is lead by goalie Josh Stivers, senior, who is a two year starter and vocal leader for the Spartans. The team has only allowed two goals in the five games played this season. Stivers currently has one of the best save percentages in the entire state of Iowa.

Another starter is Brennan Sarver, sophomore,  Following to loss on Tuesday, Sarver said, “We just need to keep working hard because we are a very talented team.” Sarver has been working hard throughout the offseason by conditioning and lifting weights, and it has already paid off. Sarver is a multi-sport athlete who plays football, basketball, and soccer, and he plans to try out for the high school baseball team in the summer. Playing all of these sports has helped him prepare for the soccer season.

The team is recently coming off of a couple of wins against Davenport West and Davenport North. In those two games, the team scored 11 goals and did not allow the other teams any goals, boosting their record to 6-1. The team has really worked hard after their loss to Burlington, and their team motivation is through the roof.