By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Expectations are high surrounding the Warrenton soccer team this season. With their top three scorers returning from a year ago, the Warriors are poised for a run at the title in a less competitive GAC. The conference has been realigned, making the schedule less strenuous according to Coach David Evans. “I’m really excited about the schedule, because I feel like we can compete with every team we play,” said Evans, whose team finished under .500 in 2012. “That mental letdown of knowing the other team is better than us before we ever get off the bus won’t be there anymore.” Warrenton welcomes Winfield into the GAC and opened the season by going 2-1 in their host tournament. “We’ve got several teams comparable to us,” said Evans. The Warriors are led by seven seniors, including Emily Craven, who returns after scoring six goals last season. “We’re expecting a lot of big things out of Emily,” said Evans. “She’ll be our big leader and scorer.” Craven was responsible for 13 points, adding one assist. Senior Rachel Moritz will play valuable minutes as a midfielder, having scored 12 points a year ago. She netted three goals and added six assists. Evans says she created plenty of opportunities, just needing to connect on a higher percentage of those attempts. “She started to show some life in her shooting last year,” said Evans. “She led the team in shots, but not goals, so hopefully she can put a few more in this year.” Junior Sam Swoboda was a team leader in points, scoring 14 on six goals and two assists. She returns with two years of varsity experience. “The majority of our scoring will probably come from our senior leadership, but in order to get the program growing we need to develop younger scorers there,” said Evans. He expects sophomore Rachel Hertel to contribute in the middle of the field during her first season on the varsity level. “I think between two Rachels on the wing mid, we can score off that,” said Evans. “We’ve got some girls coming up that are showing well from the sophomore and junior class.” Junior Morgan Cupp will also be a factor in the midfield. She netted three goals and had two assists in 2012. Evans is particularly confident in his team’s defense, returning three of four players in that position. “We’ve got a pretty good returning senior group,” said Evans. “We’ve got experience back there, which should help a lot.” Sam Olsson will anchor the defensive charge with her physical style of play and leadership. “Sam will be one of our stronger players in the backfield,” said Evans. She will be joined by veterans Tawnee Hopen and Kristi Kassing. Warrenton will also rely on Tyler Gregory and Courtney Gregory for valuable minutes. The Warriors face a unique situation at the keeper position, with two players vying for the role. “The goalie position is still up in the air,” acknowledged Evans, who will begin the season with the experienced Kailee Kelley, while leaving the option of senior Denny Hilke open. “This is the first year we’ve had two goalies on the roster,” said Evans. “They both have strong and weak points, so it’s hard to say which one will excel more.” While numbers are healthy at the upperclassman levels, Evans decided a lack of younger personnel didn’t warrant having a freshman team.
Warrenton senior Rachel Moritz will carry heavy responsibility for the Warriors this season.
Derrick Forsythe Photo.
