Girls soccer preview: Top teams, players, predictions and storylines
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER PRIMER
TEAM TO BEAT
Black Hills advanced to the Class 2A state quarterfinals for the first time in its history last season, before it was uprooted by Squalicum — the two-time defending state champion. Prolific scorer Joslin Lindsay — Black Hills’ all-time career record holder with 78 goals — is gone. But, midfielders Sydney Lowe and Bella Brown — both 2A EvCo first-teamers last year — are back to pace the Wolves. And Lindsay’s younger sister, Emma, adds another swift foot to the mix at forward.
TOP STORYLINES
1. CROSSTOWN CLASH
Similar to most years, the two meetings between Black Hills and Tumwater this season will likely determine which team wins the 2A EvCo title. Both teams have several all-league selections returning, and the ever present crosstown rivalry only stirs the competition more.
2. TIDES COULD SHIFT
Central Kitsap isn’t the only powerhouse Capital must contend with anymore. With both 4A and 3A Narrows Leagues dissolved, Gig Harbor — last year’s 4A Narrows champ and state tournament qualifier — joins the newly created 3A South Sound Conference. Expect a skirmish at the top.
3. STARTING FRESH
First-year coach Tamara Liska — an assistant at Capital the past two years — hasn’t started the same lineup during Olympia’s first three games. The Bears have that much depth — including 10 seniors. They’re also off to a 3-0 start in their inagural season in the 4A SPSL.
LEAGUE FAVORITES
4A SPSL — Puyallup.
3A SSC — Gig Harbor.
2A SPSL (Sound Division) — Highline.
2A EvCo — Black Hills.
1A EvCo — Hoquiam.
MARK THE DATE
Oct. 11: Black Hills at Tumwater, 7:00 p.m.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
POS. | NAME | SCHOOL | YEAR |
M | Bella Brown | Black Hills | Jr. |
Was a 2A EvCo first-teamer as a defender last season, and expected to control tempo. The “heartbeat” of the Wolves’ program, coach James Corbin says. | |||
F/M | Jenna Killman | Olympia | Sr. |
The University of New Mexico commit is Olympia’s leading attacker — and has already connected for three goals, two assists in three games — as it heads into the 4A SPSL. | |||
M | Chloe Lamenzo | Capital | Sr. |
Played anywhere and everywhere last season, and was a 3A Narrows League first teamer as a defender. Will focus on attacking this year. Also plays for Seattle Reign Academy. | |||
M | Sydney Lowe | Black Hills | Jr. |
Attacking midfielder for the Wolves was a 2A EvCo first-teamer last season. Impactful and dangerous — a huge threat on offense, Corbin says. | |||
D | Kayse Smack | Tumwater | Sr. |
Physical and dominant on the ball, last year’s 2A EvCo defensive player of the year was also an all-area and all-state selection. | |||
BEST OF THE REST
4A — GK Carly Becker, Olympia, sr.; D Chloe Gentry, Olympia, soph.; M Bella Hood, Olympia, sr.; D Olivia Kay, Olympia, sr.; F Ciel McDonald, Olympia, jr.; F/M/D Maddie Moen, Olympia, sr.; F/M Ruby Roedell, Olympia, sr.
3A — M Samantha Brubaker, Capital, jr.; D Anika Davison, Shelton, sr.; F Ariana Dose, Shelton, sr.; M Autumn Hakes, North Thurston, soph.; GK Megan Hulett, Timberline, jr.; D Michelle Hyland, North Thurston, soph.; M Josie Kirk, North Thurston, jr.; D Abigail Lamfers, Timberline, jr.; D Paige Murray, Capital, jr.; F Lexi Sapegin, Yelm, soph.; F Olivia Warnick, North Thurston, jr.; M Maddy Welling, Timberline, jr.; M Sydney Wilson, Capital, jr.
2A — F Bella Foos, Tumwater, sr.; GK Devin Herbert, Black Hills, fr.; M Mikayla Kee, Tumwater, sr.; GK Courtney Leifers, Centralia, jr.; F Emma Lindsay, Black Hills, jr.; M McKenna Moon, W.F. West, sr.; M Stephanie Moore, Tumwater, sr.; M Arianna Silva, Centralia, sr.; D Sierra Snyder, Tumwater, sr.; M Nereida Soto, W.F. West, sr.; M Ana Ulrigg, Centralia, soph.
1A — F Alanna Dowies, Tenino, jr.; M Lara Kershaw, Tenino, soph.; M Ryann Wacther-Strange, Tenino, jr.
Lauren Smith: 360-754-5473, @smithlm12
This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 8:53 AM with the headline "Girls soccer preview: Top teams, players, predictions and storylines."