By Ryan Moxon–A strong senior class determined to rebound from last year’s early playoff exit has the Hough girls soccer team chasing a state title this season.

The Huskies are 13-1, including wins over highly ranked Hoggard and Jacksonville, powered by senior goalkeeper Riley Pickels, senior midfielder Sydney Treanor, senior defender Shelby Siggins and junior forward Olivia Miller.

Coach Mike Kutcher singled out Pickels’ on-field leadership, Miller’s steady contributions, Treanor’s scrappiness and Siggins’ clutch play. He also praised the contributions of two newcomers: sophomore midfielder Sophia Pustorino and freshman forward Nora Breault.

“’Phia is a workhorse in the midfield,” Kutcher said. “She reads the game well and does a very good job of putting herself in winnable situations. And when she can do that she has proven she is going to create an opportunity for us more times than not.”

Pustorino and Breault have been key offensive contributors, combining for 20 goals and 13 assists through the first half of the season.

“Nora has a knack for putting herself in great position inside the box to capitalize on opportunities created by teammates and has also proven that she can create chances for herself if needed,” Kutcher said.

The only loss on the Huskies’ record came in a 3-1 defeat to No. 2 Cardinal Gibbons.

“We were not happy with our loss versus Cardinal Gibbons,” Kutcher said. “Too many mistakes and Gibbons is too good of a team. We just did not have our best night and they punished us for our mistakes.”

Kutcher believes the team’s best performances are still ahead but acknowledges distractions such as final exams, prom and spring break could test the Huskies’ focus.

“Remaining focused and maintaining our competitive edge is imperative if we want to make a playoff run,” he said.

The season’s toughest stretch looms with matchups against highly ranked Ardrey Kell and Myers Park. Kutcher plans to rely on senior leadership and using last year’s playoff disappointment as motivation.

“This team is very close and has tremendous leadership from the senior class,” he said. “They also play with a bit of a chip on their shoulder after coming up short in the playoffs as the No. 1 seed last season.”

Boys volleyball

The Hough boys’ volleyball team is off to a strong start this season, holding an 8-2 record. With several key games ahead, the team is aiming for another run at the state championship game.

The squad features five seniors who have previously earned All-State or All-State honorable mention honors: Noah Gauthier, Christopher Barnes, Landon Hixon, Jaden Verhoeven and Colten Short.

Team captains Gauthier, Barnes, and Short anchor the roster. Barnes and Short, both four-year varsity lettermen, form what coaches call the state’s top setting tandem.

Short brings a fiery intensity to the court, said head coach Greyson Roberts, while Barnes provides a steady, reliable presence.

Gauthier has emerged as one of the state’s premier outside hitters. Known for balancing a fun-loving personality with intensity, he serves as the on-court captain and the emotional center of the team.

“As he goes, so goes the team,” said Roberts. “He’s been my go-to eyes and ears on the court since his sophomore year. This program doesn’t have the identity it does today without his impact.”

Junior Brooklyn Matthews joined Hough this year and has been transitioning from back-row play to middle hitter. Midway into the season, Matthews is gaining confidence and has contributed in multiple matches, showing promise as a key fixture for the team moving forward.

Hough’s biggest win of the season thus far came in a 2-0 win against Weddington, which was a rematch of last season’s state semifinal. So far, Hough has avoided any disappointing losses, falling only to state powerhouses Reagan and TC Roberson.

The team knows its size disadvantage against most opponents, so coaches emphasize speed, disciplined play, and smart court coverage.

“We want to frustrate bigger teams with how well we pass, how well we cover, and how quickly we can find an offensive attack,” Roberts said.

Ten seniors make up the roster, six of whom have been playing together for four years. That cohesion was evident last season, when underclassmen who played in the state title game vowed to return stronger after a 3-1 loss to West Forsyth.

This season, the mission remains the same: return to the state championship and win it all.

“The team of underclassmen that played that day vowed after the loss that they would be back for it all next season,” said Roberts. “Next season is now this season, and their mission remains the same. They want to win it all.”

Correction: The April print edition swapped the goals and assists totals in the soccer story. Pustorino and Breault have combined for 20 goals and 13 assists through the first half of the season.