Talent returns for Beavers
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
WASHBURN — It will be a tough act to follow, but the Beaver girls’ soccer team is determined to do just that and even go a step farther.
Washburn certainly boasts enough talent to win another Eastern Maine Class D title, which they did last year by dispatching Schenck of East Millinocket, Fort Fairfield and Penobscot Valley of Howland in the playoffs. In the state championship match, however, the Beavers fell just short against the Richmond Bobcats, losing on penalty kicks.
“After that tough loss, the girls are more determined and eager to be right back there again,” said coach Marcie Barbarula.
Washburn has a new starting goalie for the first time since the 2009 season as four-year starter Rayah Saucier graduated. Other senior starters from last year who must be replaced are defender Olivia Doody and forward Maegan Fitzpatrick.
The Beavers do have two key players back who did not play on last year’s team. Senior Carsyn Koch opted not to play in order to concentrate on cross country running, in which she is a three-time state Class C individual champion, and junior Joan Overman was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Both start on the front line and are very athletic players who increase the overall team speed as well as bolster the offense.
Junior Mackenzie Worcester owns the school goal-scoring record with 81 and leads the scoring attack from the striker position. Senior Carmen Bragg returns as the center midfielder and can control a game with her skill, speed and vision.
Sophomore Laina Mette and junior Mikayla Churchill join Bragg along the midfield line and are both quick players who distribute the ball well, according to Barbarula.
Junior Catelyn Coulombe anchors the defense at sweeper and uses both feet effectively. She is joined in the back by seniors Kennedy Churchill and junior Tyra Shaw on the wings and senior Nicole Olson at stopper.
Getting the start in goal is sophomore Taylor Howe, who Barbarula said gets more comfortable at the position every time out.
For a Class D program, the Beavers boast a large and talented bench. Sophomore Emmy Churchill and freshman Tori Koch will be in the midfield rotation and both feature quickness. Others helping out up front or in the midfield are senior Caitlyn Roix, sophomores Brooklyn Plummer, Mariah Campbell and Brittany Corey; freshman Mackenzie Vaughn and junior Stacy Landry. Defensive reserves are sophomore Jessica Aube and freshmen Mariah Davis and Kristen Sarmiento.
The team got off to an impressive 7-0 start and had outscored opponents by a margin of 54-6 along the way prior to Monday’s loss to Ashland.
“So far, I’ve been impressed with our passing and communication. We have been able to control the field, which is great to see this early in the season and know that it will only get better,” the coach added.
