EASTON, Maine — After going 3-10-1 a season ago, third-year Bears coach Samantha Swallow is confident that her team is ready to take a step forward and become more competitive in Class D North this fall.
“I am most impressed with my team’s commitment to improvement and excellence,” said Swallow, who was a standout player at both Madawaska High School and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. “They continuously push each other to be better and they are ready to win some games this season.”
The Bears return a veteran group after losing just three players to graduation in goalkeeper Maggee Currie, center midfielder Emma Lamoreau and left back Jordyn O’Mara.
Swallow utilizes a 4-5-1 alignment from back to front. The starting forward is senior captain Jenna Cochran, who Swallow says is quick on and off the ball and brings a creative approach to the game.
The midfield corps includes a pair of center attackers in senior Emily Jackson and junior captain Grace Ellis. Jackson is a strong and solid player who provides a powerful shot, while Ellis is creative, strong and an outstanding leader.
Sophomore Madison Bridges is the starting defensive midfielder. Her stamina is unmatched, according to Swallow, and she is a great distributor of the ball. Juniors Olivia Keep and MaKenzie Kinney are the wing midfielders and both own a great cross and shot.
Centering the back line are junior Isabella Hollis and senior captain Grace Flewelling, a pair that Swallow says work well together. Freshman Ashton Embelton and junior Amelia Bate are the wing backs. Both play aggressively and communicate well with the other backs.
The starting goalkeeper is sophomore Chloe Lento, who has put in a lot of time improving her skills through the Dutch Soccer Academy.
Rounding out the 16-player roster are senior Kenzie Legassie, juniors Rylee Cassidy and Madison Seeley, sophomore Jazmyn Brown and freshman Olivia Bate.
The squad’s manager is junior Elizabeth Gundy.
Swallow is excited to get the season underway on Monday, Aug. 15 at home against Hodgdon at 7 p.m. “I aim to maintain the core group and to keep the commitment and effort as high as it is now,” she said. “We need to continue to increase our fitness while refining our skills, namely possessing the ball and taking quality shots.”
