Special to The Aroostook Republican and News
WASHBURN — Morgan Berube was one of the most prolific goal scorers in Aroostook County during her brilliant playing career with the Washburn Beavers. However, the Beavers can no longer depend on Berube’s offense, as she has graduated, and in the early stages of the season her absence has been felt.
Washburn scored just one goal in its first three contests, but the good news is the Beavers have still managed ties in all of their first three matches thanks to a defense which has been up to the task in early-season play.
“With our speed, we should be very competitive with each team that we face,” said first-year coach Marcie Barbarula, who takes over the reins after spending 10 years as the girls middle level coach at Washburn. She also serves as the town’s recreation director, so her familiarity with the players coming up through the system is strong.
“I know their skill level, the positions that they play and their ability to be successful,” Barbarula added.
The new coach has a 17-player roster to draw from, with 12 of the players back from the 2008 team which reached the postseason.
Meghan Saucier and Rebecca Campbell, both juniors, are expected to join freshman Rayah Saucier in a rotation for the starting goalie position. Rachel Palmer had handled the goalie chores the past several seasons, but like Berube has graduated, so Barbarula has decided to go with a committee approach for now.
When not in goal, Meghan Saucier will play the key position of center midfielder, while Campbell will fill in at stopper back and Rayah Saucier at midfield.
They will be joined in the starting lineup by sophomores Kelsey Churchill and Marlaina Spooner at fullback, sophomore Angie Hernandez at sweeper back, junior Dakota Koch at center midfield or stopper, junior Amanda Libby at midfield, junior Lindsey Beaulieu at forward, senior Felicia Cochran at forward and sophomore Kristi Sperrey at striker.
The bench players, who should see plenty of action, include seniors Jordan Chandler and Rachel Donnelly on defense; and sophomore Tia Dee, junior Hillary Jackson and freshman Olivia Doody at forward/midfield. Barbarula hopes freshman Maegan Fitzpatrick, currently out with an injury, will be ready to return to the field by mid-season.
“I want the team to communicate, work hard and (individuals) need to be able to play various positions,” Barbarula said. “Then, we can be very competitive and surprising to other teams.”
