With the 2010 season just around the corner, it's time to look at what's happening this year. 2010 should prove to be an exciting season. We will host our own tournament and will also participate in the Pepsi Showdown Tournament. With just the inclusion of these two tournaments, our non-conference schedule has been up graded to our most challenging level ever.
The Lisle Invitational will be played at Benedictine University on Friday Night March 27 and all day Saturday March 28th.
Attending the Tournament will be Manteno (09 A State Champs), Chicago Latin, (09 Regional winner from Chicago) and Trinity (AA level school, beat Lisle 2 to 1 Last season in the St. Frances Tournament.)
The following is the schedule for the Tournament:
We will also be participating in the Pepsi Showdown Tournament. We are the only Single A team in the state in the tournament this year. This tournament is also a college show case, so girls who are interested in playing beyound H.S. will have the opportunity to contact college coaches. We will be playing AAA level teams and will play 4 games. This is a great opportunity to see how we measure up to some very tough teams.
I see the normal challanges in conference this year. Manteno returns most of the players from their state run, and must be the team to beat. Both Herscher and Peotone will have new coaches this season, but have solid teams returning. Also, this season Westmont becomes a team to watch as they took us to OT last season and they have some very young solid talent.
Returning Starters
We return 8 starters to the team. Sr. Co-Capt. and Center Midfielder Emily Delong (8 goals, 13 assists) will again run the
offense. Jr. Co-Capt. Nicole Urban (27, 7) returns to forward along with Sr. Jen Potter (12, 11) which makes up
a nice combination up front to challange any defense. Alexandra (Zandy) Van Tholen (2 assists) returns to the defensive center mid position to help settle the defense and support Emily Delong.
Sr. Co-capt Mary Gill (1 assist) will anchor the defense with help from Jr. Robin Krc (2 assists), and Jr. Lexi Britton (1 goal , 3 assists) (Lexi will be moving from wing Mid). Our eigth returning
starter is Brynn Tomko (3 goals 12 assists) who normally plays wing midfield. However Brynn will start the season still in rehab from an earlier injury. I expect her back just after spring break.
Players that need to make an Impact
There are several players that had some good playing time and started a few games here and there, and I'm looking for them to
have an impact on the team. They include, Sr. Becca Ruthbert (def), Sr. Shelly Chatman (defense and DCM), Jr. Katie OConnel (Mid)
and Soph Lauren Prideville
Goal Keeping
Vanessa Roach and Miriah Ortega are battling for the starting keeper spot. Both are working hard and will be solid in goal.
Up and coming JV players
There is nice group of players from last years JV team that will compete for a full time varsity roster spots.
Among them are Sr. Kaitlin Smiley, Soph. Annie Cockran, Alexis Hoelper, Michelle Hutchison, Frankie Parrillo and Sara Ruthberg lead the charge.
Incoming Freshmen
Skyler Tomko has been showing in both summer practices and Open Gym's that she wants to make an impact as a freshmen player.
While there are some other freshmen that look pretty good, most of them may need a year of experience, although there can always be surprises.
Last season we played well in conference (7 and 2), taking 3nd place behind Manteno and Herscher. Losing to Hersher in the last 30 seconds and to Manteno in a shoot out. We did not do too well in non-conference action however,going 5 and 7. We scored 56 goals while giving up 29. We need to improve in both area's this year, even though we have a tougher schedule. We are experienced and we have an opportunity for a great season this year.