Coach Kevin Haspela said at the beginning of the season that his HRV squad would be “the team to beat in the Columbia River Conference.”

With five seniors, eight juniors and six returning All Conference players on his roster, fifth-year head coach Kevin Haspela is looking at the next few months with great optimism. This year’s Hood River Valley High School varsity girls soccer team, he says, has the highest potential he has seen in his tenure with the Eagles.

Friday afternoon’s sunny weather illuminated nearby fruit trees in full bloom, providing a fitting backdrop for the aptly named Apple Blossom Invitational at Hood River Valley High School. After many years’ hiatus, the event, once a well-regarded track and field meet, was revitalized this year with the intent of restoring it as an annual occurrence.