Girls to watch in Round 2 of the NCS playoffs

The first round has concluded, and teams that have moved on will need to get special performances from special players. Here are some girls players from the North Coast Section, across all four divisions, that will play a role in helping her team move on.   Layla Armas, California, Junior, Keeper   The UCLA commit consistently comes up with big saves for the Grizzlies. Not only that, but she is a great distributor from the back, allowing Cal to switch play quickly and be dangerous in transition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/Cece-crop-927x609-1676570859.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-97994" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Greg Davis</figcaption></figure>   Cece Erhart, University, Junior, Central Defender   Erhart will be facing a College Prep team that scores goals, and she will have more responsibility on Saturday. She will deal with more threats than usual, and will have responsibility in the buildup. But she is capable of doing these things because she is a well-rounded defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='56924' first='Maya' last='Greenholz'], Redwood, Senior, Forward   Greenholz is an athletic winger, who usually plays the 7, but is playing the No. 11 spot currently. She is constantly running at defenders and taking them on 1v1, posing a threat to get in behind. The Colgate commit is also very good at whipping crosses into the box from either side of the pitch.   Jadyn Holdenreid, Windsor, Senior, Striker/Attacking Midfielder   Holdenreid is a driving force for Windsor, whether she's playing the No. 9 or falling back into the No. 10 spot. She is committed to the University of Washington, and for good reason. She is a very, very technical player. She can drive at defenders, put them on the back foot and then beat them to get one of her very strong shots off.   Brensley Holmes, San Ramon Valley, Junior, Attacking Midfielder   Holmes is the engine that makes the Wolves attack go. She is the key cog in the midfield. She pushes forward and she is dangerous on the attack. She is a great scorer, with the ability to score from anywhere, and she can also distribute.   [player_tooltip player_id='18972' first='Abella' last='Hunter'], Cardinal Newman, Junior, Midfielder   Hunter returned for the playoffs after missing two games with a concussion, and the top-seeded Cardinals are glad she's back. She has an unbelievable work rate on both sides of the ball, and when going forward has the ability to make plays. She is that rare and key player that makes the players around her better.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/Lilah-Kerr-907A8883-copy.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-98064" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Anna Christensen</figcaption></figure>   Lilah Kerr, Maria Carrillo, Freshman, Central Defender   Kerr, a phenomenal freshman, will be an impact player against Montgomery in the quarterfinals. She is immensely gifted and has a great personality to go with it. She has the speed and strength needed, but also has the drive to compete, keeping herself in peak physical shape. She reads the game incredibly well, and knows exactly what it will take to shut down an attacking player. She's smart and understands the game, and keeps her wits and stays calm during challenging moments. On top of that, she enjoys playing and enjoys her team and teammates, and they respond to her positive attitude and hard work.   [player_tooltip player_id='32894' first='Audrey' last='Lam'], Piedmont, Senior, Midfielder   Lam was one of the best, if not the best, player in the West Alameda County Conference. She has unrivaled technical ability and works hard on both sides of the ball, being a force on the attack and a great defender. She controls the tempo of the game very well. She knows when to slow down and when to push and try to open up the back line and score or create goals.   Stella Monberg, Urban, Freshman, Midfielder   Monberg had a great start to the playoffs, scoring four goals against Healdsburg in the first half. Monberg has an excellent first touch, she can dribble incredibly well, she displays great vision, she can use either foot and she's very competitive. She's an excellent scorer, striking it with her foot or heading the ball in.   [player_tooltip player_id='20117' first='Rylan' last='Park'], Monte Vista, Senior, Midfielder   Park is a team captain and has been a key player all season long. She is dynamic with and without the ball and plays a very free style that makes her unpredictable and hard to defend. She has a very deceptive change of pace that creates problems for defenders. She's a player that plays with passion and joy, and is able to roll with the punches as well as anyone.   Myah Polzin, Berkeley, Senior, Forward   Polzin is a terrific goal scorer. She's got good size, she's strong and she's fearless. But it does not stop there. She has an excellent work rate, and never stops going. She is generally the most determined player on the pitch.   Camryn Salazar, Acalanes, Senior, Holding Midfielder   Salazar has been a rock for the Dons, starting every match and playing every single minute. She will have her hands full against a very good Las Lomas midfield, so she will be vital. She's a great 1v1 defender and does a great job of winning balls in the air. She's also a great dribbler and can pass out of the deep midfield to help avoid pressure.   Janae Schwan, Montgomery, Senior, Midfielder   The senior captain is heading to Chico State next season, and she will be a very key piece for the Vikings this Friday. She will look to unlock the offense and pick a pass, distributing to open teammates. She is also a key in keeping the team organized.   Angelina St. Dennis, Encinal, Junior, Forward   St. Dennis is a relentless attacking player who is absolutely tenacious. She's really fast and hard to handle in 1v1 situations. She's a great finisher, she's a great leader, she does everything for the Jets and she battles for every ball.   Zola Thurston, Archie Williams, Senior, Forward   Thurston, a captain for the Falcons, is an all-around contributor and is a player that finds a way to impact the match in so many ways. She's a playmaker and puts herself into dangerous positions, pressuring the defense. She has a rare combination of speed and composure that you don't see at the high school level that often. She will be playing at UC Santa Cruz next season.   Colette Toubba, Campolindo, Senior, Holding Midfielder   The midfield will be important for the Cougars on Friday, and Toubba will be the leader in that area of the pitch. She is excellent about keeping the team organized and focused and will be relied on heavily for that.

The first round has concluded, and teams that have moved on will need to get special performances from special players. Here are some girls players from the North Coast Section, across all four divisions, that will play a role in helping her team move on.