Titans And Bears Near Parity On Soccer Field
GSL girls soccer
Last year, the University and Central Valley girls soccer records were nearly exact opposites.
The Titans finished third in the Greater Spokane League at 10-4-2. The Bears were 4-11-1.
This year the records of the two teams could be nearly equal.
“By far this is our best attitude and the skill level should be up,” said third-year CV coach Howard Woollett of his team. “We need to finish in the middle and get that final playoff spot.”
University, in many ways, is starting over with a rookie coach joined by rookie players.
“I don’t know how we’ll do against most in the Greater Spokane League,” said first-year coach Brandon Deyarmin. “We’re young and inexperienced but hopefully we’ll surprise a lot of people.”
Five freshmen make Titan varsity
Only five seniors are on the University varsity which includes five freshman players.
The frosh are Megan Black, Casey Lektorich and Alicia Crow at forward, Julie Schroeder on defense, Sara Nelson a center midfielder.
“They are very talented and the majority played together on the same premier club team,” said Deyarmin.
Returning senior starters are Emily Stuenkel, a midfielder, defender Suzanne Boyce and goalkeeper Heather Beach, who played half the season.
Other seniors are defenders Michelle Bower and Nicole Destefano.
Also back is junior Sara Streufert, another outside midfielder who scored four goals last year.
“She’s probably our best player,” said Deyarmin.
Sophomore Leah Brereton was a starting defender, juniors Melissa Gordan and Andrea Shrier saw playing time and sophomore outside midfielder Liz Gay came up from junior varsity when it was disbanded.
“I’m very excited and nervous,” said Deyarmin. “If all the girls stick together they have potential. Who knows what will happen.”
CV young but more experienced
The Bears have only three seniors on a team with 11 returnees.
“We have a good group of juniors and will be improved,” said Woollett. “But our numbers are real small.”
Of those back, said Woollett, several have the ability to play collegiately later on.
Back from last year’s team are junior forwards Holly Hyatt, the team’s scoring leader, Katie Carpenter and midfielder Kourtney Mostek who was the team’s second-leading scorer.
Other veterans include senior goal keeper Danielle Bruegeman, junior defender Katie Brooks, plus sophomore midfielders Shea Donaldson, Diana Gharst, Lindsay Shoquist and soph defenders Andee Schock and Jana Usher.
“Four more are going to have to step up, I don’t know who they are,” said Woollett. “We’ve got the makings of a good team right now, but not enough depth.”
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