If Magdalini Kassimis, the Bayside girls soccer coach, has one thing to count on this season, it will be her senior sweeper Rebecca Arce.

The defensive core for the Commodores played outstanding in their first match-up against Francis Lewis, a scoreless draw Tuesday in Fresh Meadows. But it was Arce’s play that stood out.

“She is the heart of our defense,” Kassimis said. “She gave up volleyball to play soccer and I’m sure glad we have her. She’s the leader of our defense. She has a lot of heart and she’s a very dedicated and skillful player.”

Despite the fact that Francis Lewis dominated the game and kept control in itsoffensive third, Arce was there every single time, blocking one shot after another.

“I’m always determined to clear the ball out,” said Arce, who played stopper last season. “I always give my all in every game. I don’t want that goal to happen. I put the pressure on myself because I don’t want to let my team down.”

Arce’s presence on defense was made clear today, especially to her opponent.

“I thought she was a good sweeper,” Lewis sophomore Gena Koutsounadis said. “She cleared out a lot of the balls and she was the reason why we couldn’t score.”

Arce, along with senior outside defender Liz Casanova, helped to limit the number of shots on goal by Francis Lewis.

“We have a pretty solid defense. I want to make sure that I keep building the defense up,” Arce said.

Arce, who’s been a passionate volleyball player throughout high school had a difficult time choosing what sport to play this fall. In the past, the girls soccer season had been in the spring, but it made the switch over to the fall this year.

For the talented senior, it all came down to what she saw more of a future in.

“I hope to play [soccer] in college someday,” Arce said. “I wasn’t sure about it because I’ve always liked volleyball, but now I am. I’m going to keep working hard so I can play college ball.”