Girls Soccer preview: ’Riders will be young in 2012

By Gregg Rettig

Managing Editor

Graduation has taken a dent out of the West Jefferson girls soccer team.

The Roughriders graduated 11 from last year’s squad and have 11 freshmen for 2012.

“We have three seniors, no juniors and six sophomores,” West Jeff coach John Starr said. “We are obviously a very young team — but a fairly athletic one.

“This current group has the best work ethic of any team I’ve had during my six-year tenure at West Jefferson.”

Big things are expected of the freshmen class, which includes Hunter Stull, Ashtyn Webb, Natalie Halley, Allyson Cordle and Claire Sterling.

Sterling is out until mid-September after suffering a fractured clavicle in a pre-season match.

The Roughriders do return some experience with seniors Kylie Westlake and Brittany Woodard. Returning Sophomore impact players should be Allison Haskins, Paige Humble and Madi Phillips

West Jeffersonopen the season Tuesday at Southeasstern. Its first Mid-State League/Cardinal Division game is Sept. 5 when the Roughriders travel to Licking valley.

“The Mid State League always is a strong, highly competitive league with several teams that are usually ranked in the top 10 in the state,” Starr said.

“We always enjoy playing the Fairbanks Panthers Sept. 8). We have been to camp with them in the past and enjoy playing them. We are looking forward to league matches against Liberty Union, Heath and Lakewood, and to our backyard match with Madison-Plains (Sept. 15).”