The Lake Orion varsity girls soccer team returns nine of last year’s 10 starters, and 14 players total to the field this season.
Head coach Ken Snage said the team has been conditioning over the winter, and getting up early for 6:30 a.m. preseason practices.
‘We are primed,? he said. ‘I’ve added a lot of young, athletic girls, 10th graders. We’ve played against excellent competition, and the group is ready to excel.?
The team started off their preseason with a scrimmage against Utica Stevenson, which Snage said they would have won 2-1 if it had been a game.
‘We are in a tough league,? he said. ‘Competition breeds greatness. We will have a tougher schedule this year.?
Last year’s varsity team went 11-9-1, winning their district and losing to Grand Blanc, 2-1, in the regionals.
The Dragons return starters Rachel Bemman, Jessica Boyle, Hilary Conklin, Amelia Cortis (injured), Holli Finneren, Jenna Hill, Shelley Marick, Margaret Verespie and Erica Wilson (keeper).
Also returning are: Natasha Keasey, Elyse Kiefer, Lauren Ottenhoff, Sara Steinheiser and Lindsey Luch.
‘Now I’ve got a very strong core returning,? Snage said. ‘Our strength will be experience and skill, and we have numbers to go along with that skill.?
Snage said the younger players need experience in the league still, and will benefit from the competition.
‘I want to give everyone a good experience,? he said. ‘The younger girls will step in when others graduate. Last year we graduated three girls, two starters and one who didn’t start.?
Snage hopes to help the girls develop character, positive attitudes, as well as self-esteem.
‘I want them to leave with a positive attitude and enjoy soccer,? he said.
The Dragons? captains are Boyle, Finneren and Marick, who will all play collegiate soccer next year.
‘We have great leadership,? Snage said. ‘The girls have told me one thing they’ve really enjoyed is the empowerment of being a leader.
‘I think they’re ready to be a good top team,? he added. ‘But to do that, every link in the chain must lock together.?
Snage said the team’s opening game against L’Anse Creuse North will be tough.
‘I have a lot of faith in the kids,? he said. ‘We’ve been doing a lot of extra conditioning, and so far it’s been great.
‘Our goal is to finish at the top of the league, and have a great tournament run,? said Snage. ‘Winning the state championship is our ultimate goal.?