With six strong returning seniors on the team and many undergraduates with potential, the 2007 Oxford Varsity girls soccer team is fighting to be a district leader this season.
Coach John Thaler said the team’s goal this year is to ‘break into the top three? in the Flint Metro League and get to the first round of districts.
‘I would love to beat Fenton,? Thaler said, remembering how Oxford lost to them last season 2-0 and tied a game 0-0. ‘They are the team to beat in the league.?
It shouldn’t be too hard, though, with a roster packed with skillfull teammates.
Thaler said returning senior captain Sam Bono will be the main threat as a top goal scorer, to which the other teams will try unsuccessfuly to shut down.
Senior goal keeper Kelly Henry will step up as captain this season.
‘She has an outstanding knack to stop those impossible goals,? Thaler said.
Senior Ashley Marshall’s solid defense will help ‘keep the whole team on their toes,? while senior Stacey Sutphin’s aggressive mid-field defense is sure to have the Wildcat’s opponents in an uproar.
Seniors Katherine Mitchell and Jacki Pastewski’s drive and determination will lend a hand in making those key goals.
Returning sophomores, Brittany Moncrieff and Olivia Stevens, will combine for a ‘solid? defense, while Thaler said freshman Sarah Ricketts has the potential to show ‘a lot of skill and natural talent.?
‘I can’t wait to get the season started and show Oxford how well our team can compete,? the coach said.
The Wildcats take on Davison at home this Thursday at 6:30 p.m.