Outlaws girls soccer looks strong again

The Lady Outlaws, last years' 4A Sky-Em Conference champs, return all but four of their starters to the varsity squad. The team is back for another season with 11 seasoned players who bring experience, depth and maturity to the game.

Coach Nik Goertzen said, "The crux of our team is intact and our team speed and aggressive play will be vastly improved with attacking strategies that will challenge our opponents. Improved team chemistry, and the addition of six new players will give us additional elements of depth and surprise."

Returning veterans include seniors Michelle Young (sweeper), Lauren Chauncey (midfield), Shennen Chick (midfield), Sara Small (goalie), Zoe McAllister (defender), Jodie Reoch (midfielder), Amity Calvin (defender) and Marissa Haynes (defender). Both Small and Reoch earned all-state recognition last year.

Also back for another season are junior Harley Bowler (forward), and sophomores Natalie Ambrose (midfielder) and Haley Carlson (forward).

Geortzen told The Nugget that Sara Small is the best keeper in the state.

"She's the best, bar none," said Goertzen. "Sara has gotten better and better every year. She's smarter, stronger, and faster, and we are very blessed to have her."

The Lady Outlaws bring back 85 percent of their defense, and according to Geortzen will rank with some of the states all-time best.

"Our goal this year is the same as it was last year, and that's to be the best defensive team with the fewest amount of goals scored against us," stated Goertzen. (Last year the count was seven.)

The Outlaws will also strive to have one of the most effective offenses in the state.

"We have more weapons this year," said Goertzen. "We are going to be able to score goals from a variety of people, which will make us more dangerous and effective."

Six new players will join the team. Avi Vogel (junior) will play defense, and Emily Corrigan (sophomore) will play at the forward position. Four freshmen will round out the squad. Molly Boyle and Elizabeth Stewart will see time in the midfield, and Cassandra Aruda and Trinity Chick will play on the defensive end.

"Overall, we have the strongest and deepest group I've ever coached," added Goertzen. "And we've got a very capable group of freshmen who will contribute right away. There's a different feel to this team. They're harder-working, better-focused and more dedicated and dynamic."

Last year the Outlaws went 10-0 in league and 17-1 overall. The lone loss came in the 4A State Championship game. Sisters lost to Mazama after two overtime periods and a shootout that ended at 3-2.

The Outlaws have set high goals for themselves this year. Sisters hopes to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, with an aggressive up-tempo style of game and contend for the state title.

"It is my belief that this group can challenge anyone in the state, and with a little luck, who knows? We expect to play in the championship game again," said Goertzen. "We recognize that nothing will be given to us. We will have to earn everything."

Nik Geortzen begins his fifth season as the Lady Outlaws' head coach. The Outlaws open their season Thursday, September 8, against Mazama, last year's state champs.