The Southern Aroostook girls are senior laden and coach Kaylea Harbison is hoping with the returning players to be strong contenders in Class D this season.
Last year, the Lady Warriors went 8-6 with a playoff loss to Central Aroostook, 3-2.
“We have an older team with a lot of experience and leadership, however our weakness will definitely be our low numbers,” said Harbison.
The Southern Aroostook girls have nine seniors and one freshman.
Seniors Aimee Cottle and Dakota Mullen are returning defenders for the Lady Warriors.
“We don’t have Mataya Hartin this year, so Aimee and Dakota will be stepping up and being our defensive leaders,” said Harbison.
Rounding out the defense are seniors: Liz Drake, Casey Stairs and Shanna Porter, who are all first-year varsity players.
“They are improving all the time,” said Harbison.
The lone freshman on the team is Megan Russell, who her coach says, “Is a very versatile player. She is a runner who can score, but she also plays great defense,” added Harbison.
Russell will see some time as a goalie, along with last year’s keeper, sophomore Marissa Boulier.
“Marissa had never played there before and did a great job last year,” said Harbison. “She had some great saves in some really big games.”
Finishing the Lady Warrior lineup are: sophomore Katie Stevens, senior Kylie Dunphy, junior Lily Leavitt, along with seniors Kennedi Smith, Jess Nye and Cassidy Lyons.
“Katie, Kylie and Lily will play midfield and frontline,” said Harbison. “They have good footwork and the ability to score.
“Kennedi, Jess and Cassidy are great leaders on the field,” she added. “They are all very strong players with the ability to score and see the field.”
Coach Harbison noted the team has been doing a lot of conditioning work to get in shape and prepare for the season.
“We are continuing to work on a variety of set ups and formations that will work best from game to game,” she added.
This year, Harbison sees Ashland, Madawaska and Central Aroostook as her team’s toughest opponents.
