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2017 Lady Cat Soccer Preview (08/22/17)

(By Coach Chris Schonbachler)

Front row (L-R) Hannah Hazlett, Lauren Troutman, Gabby Weaver, Alexa Hannold, Natalie Glenn, Ava Cherico, Molly Nagy, Emily Grabiak. Back Row (L-R) Coach Chris Schonbachler, Megan Stahlman, Hope Hazlett, Rachel Grabiak, Alexa Kriebel, Wendy Beveridge, Nellie Hannold, Lindsey Kemmer, Jenna Miller, Maria Bradley, Cait Murtha. (Not pictured : Alish Nagy, Vol. Asst. Coach Ashley Montgomery)

The Clarion Area Lady Cat soccer team kicked off the 2017 preseason on Monday, August 14th.  This year’s team has a 19 player roster, which includes two athletes from Clarion-Limestone.  We have a very balanced roster consisting of 7 very experienced seniors, along with 9 freshmen.

At the core of our defense is goalkeeper Wendy Beveridge.  Wendy had an outstanding sophomore season, one in which she was selected to the UAVSL All Conference squad.  Our defensive backs will be, like the team in general, a mix of experienced and less experienced players.  The back line will be led by seniors Gabby Weaver and Rachel Grabiak.

Midfield play will be the key ingredient to successful games this season.  The coaches see a tremendous amount of depth in the midfield positions, finding the combinations of players that provide the best team chemistry will play a huge role in the team’s success.  Natalie Glenn, Hope Hazlett, and Alexa Hannold provide great experience and have the knowledge of how we approach gameplay.  Sophomores Lauren Troutman and Megan Stahlman will also be expected to make big contributions in midfield play this year.

Seniors : Hope Hazlett, Gabby Weaver, Rachel Grabiak, Alexa Kriebel, Alexa Hannold, Natalie Glenn. (Not pictured : Alish Nagy)

The team’s biggest challenge this season will be replacing offense lost in Forest Mills and Courtney Schonbachler, who combined for 22 goals and 22 assists last season.  Ideally, this offensive production will come from many in a team effort.  One of those many will be senior Alexa Kriebel, who is entering her 2nd season with the team as our forward/striker.  Alexa’s quick pace and tenacious play will certainly provide her many opportunities to find the back of the net this year.  Alish Nagy, a senior in her first year with the team brings plenty of experience and more speed that should keep opposing defenses on their toes.

This year’s coaching staff remains unchanged from last season with Head Coach Chris Schonbachler and Volunteer Assistant Coach Ashley Montgomery.

(Thanks to Coach Schonbachler for this season preview. Have a great season, Lady Cats!!!!)