By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
According to coach Chris Young, the East Grand girls are hoping to continue their winning ways. The Lady Vikings are coming off a 9-3 regular season a year ago, with East Grand earning its first playoff berth in 11 years.
“We are ready for the 2013 season,” added Young.
The Lady Vikings return seven starters from last year’s playoff squad and add three more players who saw what their coach called “considerable playing time.”
“As usual with a small school, eighth-graders will be counted upon to play a huge role in whether the team is successful or not,” Young said. “With just one senior, this year’s team should establish itself as a force in Class D for the next couple of seasons.”
The lone senior is Theresa Cousins, who has anchored the center of the midfield for the last three years for the Vikings. She will be joined at midfield by returning starter Adreanna Phillips.
“Adreanna proved to be one of the toughest girls on the team last year,” said Young.
Those veterans will be joined by freshmen Hannah Crone and Sarah Stoddard, who both played considerably last season as eighth-grader for East Grand. The defense will be led by junior goalie Chelsea Winiarski and sophomore sweeper Kim Stoddard. Junior Allie McEwen will be the stopper and eighth-graders Emily Russell and Hayliegh Shay will be the two fullbacks.
Playing the front line for the Lady Vikings are a pair of juniors, who according to their coach, “are quick and should score some goals.” Bayliegh Rowe who scored six goals last season and Lauren Morse, who had 10 goals last year, “should get the bulk of the opportunities,” Young added, while freshman Paige Young and eighth-grader Kianna Caissie round out the team.
“The Vikings won’t have to score as many goals this year with what should be a stingy defense,” said Young. “A tough 14-game schedule will test us, but the entire team will not be happy unless we make a second straight appearance in the Class D soccer tournament.”
