Lady Warriors competitive

    The Southern Aroostook Lady Warriors are hoping for another trip to the Eastern Maine Class D Tournament, as they return 12 players from a year ago, who reached the Class D semifinals.
    The Lady Warriors suit up five seniors and five juniors who have experienced a great deal of success winning state championships in 2008 and 2009, said first-year coach SACS Principal Jon Porter.
    “Add seven freshmen with some skills to contribute and it makes for a team that will be competitive in Class D,” he said. “The girls have a good foundation which we can build on. Previous coach Holly Vining did a great job with these girls, they not only understand the game, but they are also a close group that supports one another on the field.”
    Porter will rely on his seniors — Morgan Gustin, Jillian Diaferio, Mallary Lawlor, Kaitlyn Sommers and Olivia Raymond — for team leadership.
    “They have done a great job leading the team and setting the standard for how to play to the freshmen,” he said. “We are off to a decent start, we just need to continue to improve each day.”
    Gustin, who plays midfield, will help establish the midfield play, while Diaferio, at forward, is off to a good offensive start with seven goals in three games.
    Lawlor returns to be the net keeper, while anchoring the defense; Sommers is at midfield and defender, with a “strong foot,” according to her coach to help stretch the field offensively and Raymond will be at midfield and will “be instrumental in controlling the pace of the game,” said Porter. She is solid defensively and gives the Lady Warriors an option offensively, as well.
    Juniors Ria Kinney is aggressive on defense and “her speed will help contain other teams’ quick forwards,” Porter explained.
    Beth Bishop will play as midfield and forward and “her ability to play in different positions is an asset,” according to her coach.
    Kristen Tarr, who plays defense has done a great job in the back, “as she makes good decisions,” Porter said.
    Desirae Dubois plays midfield and forward and “plays hard and has good footwork, helping to control the midfield,” said Porter. And, Katie Goodall, who rounds out the junior class, plays as a forward and is off to a good start, according to her coach. “She helps stretch out the defense with her speed on the wing,” he added.
    The two sophomores continue to improve for Porter. Taylor Desmond plays midfield and “has done a good job thus far and continues to improve,” he said. Mataya Hartin at fullback, “understands the game, always seems to be in the right place at the right time and uses her body to shield opposing players very well,” Porter added.
    Newcomers to the varsity squad are: Jessica Nye, midfield; Katie Prescott, forward; Aimee Cottle, fullback; Kylie Dunphy, midfield; Madison Parr, midfield and fullback; Cassidy Lyons, forward and Shaydin Lillis, midfield.
    “The freshmen have all contributed and will continue to improve as the season progresses,” said Porter. “They all have great potential.”
    The Lady Warriors are playing with confidence, as the majority are seasoned veterans.
    “Last year’s team had a lot of players playing more minutes than previous years and learning to play in different positions,” explained Porter. “The freshmen have added a great deal to this group and have some natural soccer ability. This group may be a little deeper than last year.”
    Work ethic and controlling the midfield are what Porter sees as his team’s strengths.
    “The girls play hard, they battle for every 50/50 ball. You can’t teach that,” he said.
    For the Lady Warriors to be in a postseason run, Porter said, “We need to sure up defensively. We have had some mental miscues early that have cost us some goals.”
    “Understanding to move without the soccer ball and to anticipate where the ball is going to go will help,” Porter said. “Playing together as a team helps this, but it is always a work in progress.”