Coach David Evans was pleased to see his Warrenton soccer team finish the season on a stronger note than which it began. The Warriors concluded the 2013 campaign with a 10-14 record, falling to St. Charles West 4-0 in the finale. "I was pleased that we were playing our best game toward the end of the season," said Evans. "That showed the progress we made through the course of the spring." Warrenton went 2-6 in league play, placing fourth during the first season of a restructured GAC schedule. Senior Emily Craven led the Warriors by breaking the school's single-season scoring record with 47 points, netting 21 goals and adding five assists. She teamed up with classmate Rachel Moritz to provide a dynamic offensive threat, which kept opponents off balance. Moritz was responsible for 14 points, scoring five goals and dishing four assists. "I was pleased all season with the way that Emily and Rachel were able to work together, putting passes and give-and-gos together," said Evans. The combo played at a level above most of their competition, showing their elite skill level. "A lot of that was more advanced stuff that we didn't have time to get to with the weather," said Evans. "The weather played a huge part in our skill development, just because we couldn't get outside and open up." The Warriors also got four goals from both Danielle Duello and Tyler Gregory, while Sam Swoboda added three goals. Seven seniors guided the program's success in a variety of ways. "We had some great leadership out of our seniors," said Evans. "Emily and Rachel were outstanding for us." Warrenton opened the season by winning two of three games in its own tournament and followed it up with a victory over Fulton. The Warriors claimed GAC wins over Winfield and Orchard Farm. Evans is hopeful the team can be more competitive in league play next season. "We're losing quite a few key players from last year, so we're going to have to replace a goal scorer," said Evans. "That's going to be our biggest hole." The Warriors bring back Kalee Kelly, who made 96 saves and allowed 53 goals this season. "It's nice having a returning goalie coming back, so that will be an ease," said Evans.  He adds that the Warriors primary hindrance this season wasn't a lack of skill, but rather lapses in the gameplan. "At times this season errors cost us, but that's something you can fix," said Evans. "In most of our games we weren't overwhelmed or outclassed."

Warrenton senior Emily Craven led the Warriors in scoring with 21 goals during the 2013 season.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.