Girls soccer looks strong

The Lady Outlaws return several experienced players to their squad this fall season and add newcomers who will lend depth to the team.

Molly Boyle, Cassandra Arruda, Jenny O'Conner, Dani Rundinsky and Liz Stewart return as seniors and hope to make their final year a memorable one.

Stewart returns as a first-team all-league selection. Liz has both speed and endurance, and will be an indispensable player again this year. She worked extremely hard in the off-season to improve her already impressive skills. Liz spent much of her summer playing in a competitive program put on by the Women's Professional Soccer League in Florida.

"Liz has the ability to control the offense and defense of the team from anywhere on the field," stated Coach Audrey Tehan. "She will help propel the team again by playing in the center, either at midfield or defense. She is one of the strongest players in the league, alongside a handful of other players we have on our team. She is extremely talented and dedicated to the sport."

Boyle was a first-team all-league pick last year, and her speed on and off the ball is lethal. She will play at outside-midfield, or in the center for the Outlaws, and will be a stronghold on the defensive line. Molly played on the Olympic Development Team (ODP), a competitive team comprised of the best players in the state, and also played year-round on the Bend FC Timbers Club Team.

Arruda will be a vital player in the midfield.

"Cassandra is an extremely smart player, with great ball control, and is very good at distributing the ball, and knowing when to dribble, and when to shoot or pass," Tehan said. "She is an amazing athlete, and is constantly leading the team through example."

O' Conner put in a lot of time in the off-season, and improved her skills tremendously. Tehan said that Jenny brings a lot of energy to the team, and puts 100 percent effort into everything she does.

"Players like Jenny are crucial in creating an upbeat environment," said Tehan.

Rudinsky returns as an honorable-mention all-leaguer and will play both at outside-midfielder, and at forward. Dani grew stronger, and faster in the off-season, and has become very good at outside-midfielder. She knows when to distribute the ball to the center, which is crucial.

"Dani has been a leader in the pre-season, and she gives her best effort in every drill," said Tehan. "She constantly encourages players, and pushes herself to improve."

Michaela Miller, Anna Ortega, Nina Horner, Taylor Schneider, and Hannah Ceciliani all return as very experienced junior players.

Miller displays outstanding athleticism. She was a second-team all-league selection last year but, according to Tehan, has skills alongside the first-team all-leaguers. Miller just made the State Select team, which selects soccer players from throughout Oregon to play on an intensive team out of Portland. Michaela will be out the first month due to an ankle injury, but when she returns she will play in the center for the Outlaws, and will be key for controlling the field, winning balls, and attacking.

"Michaela can jump, sprint, turn, and cut in any situation, with a soccer ball at her feet," said Tehan. "She has been playing year-round, and played in the center for the Bend Timber's Club Team in the National Tournament."

Ortega is a tenacious defender, and never stops. She is a very versatile player, who is able to jump in and play any position on the field.

Horner was a crucial player for the Outlaws last season. She was skilled as a goal-keeper, and on the field. This year she will play at defense.

"Nina is unique, and has a strong mentality," said Tehan. "She is calm, determined, confident, and will help the team out in many ways again this season.

Schneider, a junior, will play goal-keeper, and at forward.

"Taylor has great hands, and is a very intelligent player who knows where to be, which is the most important part of being a keeper," said Tehan. "These skill sets will also help her as she shares time at forward, and in goal. She is an extremely dedicated player, and one who really sets a great example for the program."

Ceciliani was a second-team all-league selection last year. She will play in the goal and at forward this year.

"Hannah is aggressive, which makes her a valuable asset on the field," said Tehan. "She's been extremely committed in the pre-season, and also played year-round for a club team."

Chaundra Criag was one of the Outlaws' leaders at the JV level last year, and moved up to join the varsity squad.

"Chaundra is a tenacious player, with great speed and determination," said Tehan.

Olivia Stewart joined the team this year as a junior. Olivia switched over from volleyball and is an all-around athlete with a mentality to win. She's a hard-worker, and a smart player, which will allow her to be an important member of the squad.

Hannah Tennison (junior) moved to Sisters from Montana, and will share time at midfield and forward.

Tehan said, "Hannah plays with great determination, and never quits. She will help us out on the field, and over time will develop her place within the team."

MJ Murphy (senior) stepped back onto the soccer field this year, and the team is excited to have her.

"MJ is one of the strongest players on the team, which may come from her other passion of steer-wrestling," said Tehan. "It is hard to get the ball past MJ, and she will be a key player at defense or forward."

Phylicia Landis will be a swing player this year and play both JV and varsity.

"Phylicia is one of the most headstrong players I have seen," said Tehan. "She is very dedicated to our program, and has been a great influence on the JV level in helping build our program.

"All of our returning players worked very hard in the off-season," said Tehan. "All of the girls have gotten better technically, and have built up a lot more strength, and experience, which will help propel them into the season.

"This team has a lot of potential, but how far we make it will depend on many things, such as staying healthy, not getting injuries, and their ability to stay mentally focused for the next three months."

The Outlaws have a very competitive pre-season schedule, playing against Gladstone, Molalla, and Henley - all top teams who made it to the playoffs last year. Tehan is excited about the challenge it will present, and hopes the tough games will set the tone for the season.

The Lady Outlaws hope to make it far into the playoffs, but they are taking it one practice - and one game - at a time.