PREVIEW: Key players return with their sights on better season

Published by admin on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 10:18am

The Monticello girls soccer team, first row from left: Skyler Postel, Sophie Gray, Cassie Gillmore, Jordan Lorenzen and Katie Schmerbach. Second row: McKenna Bell, Shelbie Reyhons, Macie Welter, Hannah Ahlrichs, Kacie Rickels and Lindsey Adams. Third row: Sophie Ahlrichs, Josie Brady, Maddie Gudenkauf, Vicki Wallerich, Megan James, Mya Boffeli, Caroline Olson, Delaney Peitz and Shelby Hicks. Fourth row: head coach Bruce Feuling, assistant coach Danylle Feuling, Esther Funk, Lydia Lange, Evee Krouse, Nicole Porter, Rylee Bauer, manager Micah Williams and volunteer assistant coach Duff Coleman. Not pictured are Marisa Braford and manager Hope Mahoney. (Photo by Pete Temple)
GIRLS SOCCER
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     The return of seven letter-winners has the Monticello High School girls soccer team optimistic about improving over last season’s 2-11 record.

     The Panthers begin this season with 26 girls on the roster, and will have experienced players all over the field.

     Returning are senior goalkeeper Cassie Gillmore, three defenders: junior Megan James, and sophomores Shelby Hicks and Evee Krouse; sophomore midfielder Sophia Ahlrichs; and two forwards: juniors McKenna Bell and Jordan Lorenzen.

     Seventh-year head coach Bruce Feuling listed the team’s biggest strength as “our experience in key positions.”

     Bell scored a goal and led the team in shots on goal last season with 34. Ahlrichs and Lorenzen were also goal-scorers for the Panthers last season.

     It’s an area upon which the team hopes to improve – Monticello had just nine goals in 13 matches last season.

     “We want to be more aggressive on offense and take more shots,” Feuling said.

     Monticello also hopes to be stronger defensively. Gillmore was busy as the team’s goalkeeper last year, making a total of 237 saves, or 18.2 per match.

     The Panthers have some tough opponents on the schedule, including Dyersville Beckman, which eliminated Monticello in regional play last year. Other strong foes include Marion, Maquoketa and Vinton-Shellsburg.

     Feuling said he hopes the team will rise to the occasion, stating that the Panthers’ goal is “to have a winning season.”

     He is assisted by Danylle Feuling and volunteer assistant Duff Coleman.

 

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