By Trevor Keiser
Leader Staff Writer
The overall expectation for the Lady Cat Varsity Soccer team is a ‘good brand of quick soccer with lots of combinations and balls played into gaps,? according to Head Coach Robert Euashka.
‘We are not the world’s biggest team, so we will rely on our speed and speed of play to create chances and be dangerous,? he said. ‘Chemistry is high with our group and that will help us go a long way this year.?
Euashka said it worked well in their first game of the season when they beat Avondale 1-0. Their current record is 1-0-2.
‘The level of players and play across the group is at the highest and most even on the varsity side than it has been in years,? he added. ‘Being able to play an attractive brand of soccer 20 players deep and working together at a high level in practices are exciting for us.?
Euashka said they changed divisions this year and are now in the OAA White and while they there are still ‘competitive and dangerous? teams in the OAA White, they are no longer in a district that boasts four of the top 12 teams in the state as well as their main rival Lake Orion.
‘That potential excites all of us,? he said. ‘Last year, we beat Lake Orion for the first time in at least 15 years, so to have an opportunity to build on that success and repeat it is always on our minds.?
According to Euashka said the team has eight returning players, seven of which are starters ? Katrese Moll, Jade Schramm, Kenzy Eschberger, Karina Parker, Emily Kargetta, Christina Medici and Emma Gordon.
‘Returning seven of 10 field players brings a nice continuity to the group that also has 12 new players,,? he said. ‘Our starters brought a nice level of success last year and keeping them together makes for an easier transition with all the new players (on) the team.?
‘We also return a four-year letter winner in soccer, Sabrina Doslak, who will bring us good experience an important minutes from a depth perspective, making us all the more dangerous,? Euashka added.
The 12 new players include Gracie Freiburg, Sarah Good, Sophia Bell, Katie Guthrie, Lauren Spencer, Hanna Clark, Vanessa Dinh, Katie Romano, Precious Davis, Julia Reynolds, Emily Burrows, and Caitlin Wright.
As for team goals this season, Euashka said his girls have their sights set on capturing both the league and district titles.
?(Our main goal) is to compete as a family first and work without complaint or restraint (in order) to be prepared for a short and fast season,? he said.
The Lady Cats? next game will be April 14 at home against Seaholm. Game time is 7 p.m.