Lady Cats Soccer Preview (09/07/15)
The Clarion Area High School Soccer Team is set to begin their 2o15 season, tomorrow evening (Tuesday, September 8th) as they host Brockway at 6:00PM.
2015 Lady Cats Soccer Team: Front Row (L-R) – Natalie Glenn (So), Jenna Omecinski (Jr ), Alexa Hannold (So), Hannah Phillips (Jr ), Forest Mills (Jr), Rachel Grabiak (So). Back Row (L-R) – Courtney Schonbachler (Jr), Hope Hazlett (So), Holly Rapp (So), Wendy Beveridge (Fr), Maddie Weaver (Sr), Gabby Weaver (So), Kelly Beveridge (Sr), Coach Chris Schonbachler.
The team, which is under the guidance of second year coach Chris Schonbachler, is coming off an 11-6 season. They made the playoffs and won their first round game, at home, in a deluge, which coach Schonbachler describes as “the Mud Bowl.”
The team which is a co-op between Clarion Area and Clarion-Limestone will have to replace a number of graduates, but Coach Shonbachler welcomes the challenge. He said, “I’m looking forward to this year. It’s going to be challenging. We had seven seniors graduate last year. That’s a challenge in itself. The numbers are down a little bit from last year. But the girls on the roster are looking good so far. They are playing together, real well, so our expectations are good.”
In losing all those seniors, a lot of experience is gone and there is a need for players to step into leadership roles. Coach Shonbachler said, “We lost seven seniors, six from Clarion, one from C-L. A lot of seniors, a lot of experience, both captains.
“It’s (leadership) coming along. It’s taking a little time. With the leadership we had the past three or four years, the young girls have never seen anything. So it has taken them a couple of weeks of pre-season and practicing every night to learn to speak up a little more and they are getting much better at it each time we are out.”
The team competes in the Upper Allegheny Valley League (UAVL). They are in the league’s Southern Division.
As for the competition, the coach says, “Karns City’s always tough. The DCC Tournament that’s always a challenging tournament. Redbank Valley’s usually a good team.”
Coach Schonbachler is looking for success in several ways, from his young team. He said, “I think with the numbers and the seniors we lost from last year and the youth of this team, early this year, realistically every game is going to be a challenge. As long as we are learning through each game and developing as a team from one game to another, in a way I’ll consider that a win. More goals than the other team would be a better win. But as long as they are developing as a team, that’s a small victory, in itself.
“We have two seniors this year, so the core on offense is going to be intact. Kelly Beveridge and Maddie Weaver are the two seniors and co-captains.” Those two will be counted on for their experience and leadership.
Another returning player has impressed the coach, with her improvement. He said, “…the most improved player, so far, is Hope Hazlett. This is her sophomore year. Last year, as a freshman, was challenging for her. And she’s worked in the off season, playing in the spring and working out with our assistant coach, over the summer. And it is very noticeable; she’s come a long way, in one year’s time until now. She’s the one that sticks out in my head the most.”
The coach realizes with the young team (2 seniors, 4 juniors, 6 sophomores and 1 freshman) and small numbers, his line-up will be fluid. He said, “Realistically, with the numbers we’ve got everyone will be playing a lot, everywhere, adjust as the game goes, who’s tired or who might get hurt. That’s up to the girls.
“I know you always play offense, but right now we need a defender. And I’m confident they will step into whatever role we give them and they’ll do fine at it.”
Coach Shonbachler concluded by saying he’s looking forward to the season.
(Have a great season, Lady Cats!!!!)