Girls soccer returns experienced squad

Girls soccer returns nine veteran players to their squad, along with six new players who will add depth to the team. The Lady Outlaws hope to make a third straight appearance in the state championship game.

Megan Connolly is the lone senior returning to the squad and will be counted on to provide leadership both on and off the field. Connolly is a smart and solid defender and will play at outside defender.

Coach Audrey Tehan said, "She has really improved her technical skill of the game in the pre-season through hard work and dedication."

Five juniors are back for another season and include Natalie Ambrose, Haley Carlson, Emily Corrigan, Claire Henson and Kristen Sanders.

Ambrose was a first-team all-state selection last year and will use her amazing skills at center midfield to help create scoring opportunities for the Outlaws.

"Natalie has brilliant ball-handling skills, great speed on and off the ball and great knowledge of the game," said Tehan.

Carlson will play at outside midfield and her consistency, speed, endurance and great technical skills make her a key contributor on both offense and defense.

"Haley distributes some of the best crosses and corner kicks on the team," said Tehan. "She is a passionate player who is very serious about improving."

Corrigan will play at forward and is one of the team's leaders who is able to bring the squad together as a cohesive unit.

Tehan said, "Emily has a great eye for the game. She will be a crucial center point for our attacks this season with her strong accurate shots and creative distribution."

Hensen is currently on the sidelines with a hip flexor injury and is hoping to recover in the pre-season so she is ready and able to start the regular season at full throttle.

Sanders will play at both outside defender and forward.

"Kristen is a hard worker and smart player," stated Tehan. "She is improving every day in practice, which is very exciting. She is consistent and is a good distributor and tough defender."

Three sophomores round out the returning veteran players and include Molly Boyle, Danielle Rudinsky and Liz Stewart.

Boyle is one of the Lady Outlaws' strongest technical and tactical defenders. Tehan told The Nugget that Molly has great vision of the game and is very fast which enables her to push forward into the attack and recover on defense. Tehan added that Molly's tenacity allows her to be involved in almost every play on the field.

Rudinsky will play at outside midfield, but is a player who can play in any position where her team might need her. Tehan stated that Danielle is one of the hardest workers on the team and is serious about improving.

"Danielle is always out before and after practice, improving her skills," said Tehan. "She has amazing endurance and is a really smart distributor of the ball."

Stewart will be the backbone of the Outlaws' defensive line.

"Liz is a very smart and smooth player," stated Tehan. "She is determined to not let any player get by her with the ball. Liz's endurance and technical skills will allow her to be an important foundation for our attacks as well."

Six new additions will add depth to the already strong Outlaws squad.

Freshman Michaela Miller joins the team as an experienced player and will start at center midfield.

"Michaela is a phenomenal player, and her mature mentality will allow her to thrive at such a crucial position. Her great defense and aggressiveness will allow her and Natalie to dominate the midfield."

Taylor Schneider and Nina Horner, both freshmen, will alternate time as goalkeeper. Both girls will have big shoes to fill as they follow ace keeper Sara Small.

"Taylor has a great understanding for the position and a great technical foundation to build upon," said Tehan. "Nina has amazing hops and hands as a former volleyball player and current basketball player. Goalkeeper is a big position for freshmen to step into, but I believe both Nina and Taylor will rise to the challenge."

Michaela Conrads and Naomi Eckstein, both seniors, decided to come out for soccer for the first time in their lives.

"They are both having a lot of fun, and their teammates have been extremely supportive," said Tehan.

Freshman Anna Ortega rounds out the 15-player roster. Tehan stated that Ortega is a steadfast defender and a hard worker.

Tehan told The Nugget that she wants to create a team where everyone works their hardest both for the team and for themselves.

"We have a group of very strong players, and I believe we can do whatever we set our minds to," stated Tehan.