Staff Writer
ASHLAND – After eight summer scrimmages and participating in the Presque Isle pre-season tournament, the 2008 Ashland girls’ varsity soccer team prepares for its first regular season match this Friday hoping for a repeat of last season’s success.
“It is the goal of this team to get back to states where they feel they have some unfinished business to take care of,” said head coach Peter Belskis, now in his 30th year of coaching.
The 2007 Hornets pummeled their competition, going undefeated in the regular season for the first time in Ashland girls’ soccer history, only to fall short against Raymond in the state final.
Despite losing striker Whitney Flint, fullback Mindy Chasse and winger Jackie Raymond to graduation, the 11 returning players are fixated on stepping up the competition to fill any gaps left by last year’s seniors.
Leading off the Hornet starters is junior Taylor Baker, a third-year starting keeper with eight shutouts in her high school career.
Second-year starter Rylee Graham begins her sophomore soccer season as sweeper while Autumn Condon, fourth-year starter, takes center fullback position and sophomore Whitney Donovan takes the left fullback position.
Freshman Chelsea Hammond or sophomore Mariah Cook will round out the defense in the right fullback spot.
In the midfield is junior center halfback Macie Pelkey, senior right halfback Suzie Poulin and freshman left halfback Anna Paradis.
Starting in the wing positions are senior Crystal Cook and junior Jessica Jimmo. Freshman Brook Labelle takes over Flint’s position as striker.
Also playing for the 2008 Hornets are seniors Jackie D’Ozier (forward), Andrea Good (halfback) and Jessica Holmes (halfback); junior Elena Reynaga (halfback); sophomore Victoria Leclerc (halfback); and freshmen Sam Casey (fullback), Ashlee Labbe (fullback) and Briana Michaud (halfback).
“We look to be right in the thick of things this year,” said Belskis. “I feel our success will be determined by how well the younger players adapt and mature as the season progresses, and how well this year’s seniors develop as team leaders … We look forward to a challenging but successful year.”
Belskis plans on keeping a 3-3-4 alignment “with multiple overlap,” and the “aggressive” style that the Hornets are known for.
Assisting coach Belskis is Joe Basso.
Team managers are senior Miranda Donovan and junior Kelsey Belanger.
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taff photo/Meridith Paterson
ASHLAND GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCER – The 2008 Hornets are, from the left in front, Chelsea Hammond, Macie Pelkey, Suzie Poulin, Taylor Baker, Jackie D’Ozier, Anna Paradis, Sam Casey, Andrea Good and Briana Michaud; in back, assistant coach Joe Basso, Jessica Jimmo, Elena Reynaga, Rylee Graham, Autumn Condon, Crystal Cook, Jessica Holmes, Mariah Cook, Ashley Labbe, Whitney Donovan, Brooke Labelle, Victoria Laclerc and head coach Peter Belskis; and, missing from photo, managers Miranda Donovan and Kelsey Belanger.
