Submitted photo – Elizabeth Towles

By Ray Hamill — There has been a small but enthusiastic group of players showing up for the College of the Redwoods women’s soccer team’s conditioning/skills classes for the past couple of weeks, as the Corsairs gradually return to action.

The team will find out the fate of the season in November, when the CCCAA addresses the tentative schedule which is currently set to kick off in the new year.

For now, however, the Corsairs are glad to be back out on the field even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place.

“We’ve been back at it and it’s good to be back out there,” head coach Julio Ayala said. “We’re trying to follow the protocols and stay safe, and really making the most of the opportunity and doing what we can together.”

Numbers have been relatively low with around five players showing up for the twice weekly sessions, although Ayala says there are a number of additional players committed to play in the new year if they get the go-ahead for the season.

“It’s become more of a hands on experience,” Ayala said of the classes. “So it’s been nice, even with a small group.”

Two players in particular are expected to play a big role for the Corsairs next season, Fortuna’s Giselle Cruz and Ferndale’s Elizabeth Towles, each of whom joins the program after impressive high school careers.

“They’re both freshmen and they’re both enthusiastic,” the head coach said of the Eel River duo, who have been regular attendees at the class. “And they’re both being patient about what they can do and sticking to it.”

Submitted photo – Giselle Cruz

Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 this year, Ayala says recruiting has gone well.

“It’s been going good, but also we’ve had our challenges,” the coach added. “But I would say we’re getting a lot of interest.”

For now, the players that have been showing up for the class will continue to benefit.

“We’re doing the little things now to get ourselves ready,” Ayala said. “And keeping a real positive attitude.”