Presque Isle girls return many experienced players
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Wildcats’ varsity girls soccer team brings an experienced squad to the field this fall, as 12 of their 15 players are returning from a year ago. The Wildcats lost four players to graduation – Carly Bell, Kaleigh Kinney, Danielle Allen and Logan Caron — and those players were strong contributors. Fortunately, the strong core of returnees will hopefully fill the void.
One major advantage the Presque Isle squad may have over their opponents is the wealth of knowledge that coach Ralph Michaud brings to the field. Michaud is highly respected in the coaching community, and his ability to teach and get the most out of his athletes is known across the state.
Michaud brings a winning attitude and Presque Isle has always put competitive teams on the field during his tenure. Last season, the Wildcats struggled with a very difficult schedule. They ended the regular season in 12th place with a 5-7-2 record, and nearly upended fifth-ranked Caribou in the playoffs before dropping a 1-0 contest in overtime.
The Wildcats are hoping to build on that strong showing coming into this season, and in fact started the season by winning the Presque Isle pre-season tournament, defeating Caribou 1-0 in the tournament championship game. They also topped Fort Kent and Caribou last week to begin regular season play.
Leading the way for the Wildcat squad is all-state midfielder Hannah Graham. Although perhaps better known for her success on the basketball court, Graham brings smarts and athleticism to the soccer field as well. Graham’s leadership will be a key throughout the season. Her teammate and classmate, Krystal Kingsbury, is coming off an All-Eastern Maine season herself and will also help anchor Presque Isle’s midfield. Both Graham and Kingsbury bring a winning attitude to the field that is contagious. Look for this duo to put the ball on net as well as drawing tough defensive assignments.
Junior midfielder Taylor Williams is another experienced player. Recognized last year as a first-team all-Penobscot Valley Conference performer, Williams will be another important player in the Wildcat mix. Her quickness and soccer smarts make her a tough matchup for opponents.
Senior Emma Kinney, a fourth-year player, is returning to the backfield and also has a good feel for what Michaud is trying to accomplish. Senior striker Jordi Legassie will need to continue to put the ball in the net for the Wildcats to be successful, and she plays hard all over the field. Seniors Erin Ackerson, Megan Seward and Macy Desmond are returning to the backfield and again bring experience and athleticism to the defensive half.
Juniors Olivia Hudson and Kerrigan Leblanc will be expected to perform in the midfield, while Regan Nelson will see action both in the midfield and at the striker position. Junior Jillian Flynn is fearless at the goalie position, and will keep the Wildcats in virtually every game.
Newcomers to the squad include senior Megan McKnight, a striker; sophomore Tori Koch, a transfer from Washburn who will be the sweeper; and freshman striker Emily Wheaton. All will be expected to perform at a high level from the very outset of the season.
With only 15 players on the squad, conditioning will be a key factor if the Wildcats are to be successful. With only four substitutes, each of the girls will be physically challenged game in and game out. Staying away from injuries also goes hand in hand with this as the depth will not allow for losing a key player. Michaud cites his squad’s senior leadership as perhaps their most valuable strength.
Presque Isle has a tough schedule, with two contests each against Fort Kent, Caribou, Hermon, MDI, John Bapst, Ellsworth and Old Town. There are more than enough points available to get them a favorable seeding for post-season play.
