Players return to girls soccer squad

The girls soccer team returns 10 players to the varsity squad this year, all with experience and good knowledge of the game - which they hope will take them to the playoffs.

Seniors Lexie Stewart, Sofia Affatati, and Sophia Bianchi all return for their final season as Outlaws.

Stewart heads into her fourth season as a varsity player and will play center-back. She's a tough player who will bring veteran experience and leadership to the squad. She's been a captain for three years and is always an encouragement to her teammates.

Affatati and Bianchi also bring three years' varsity experience and leadership to the team. Affatati's game is marked by quick play and toughness at forward. Coach Jaron Jacobsen noted that Sofia is the inspirational piece of the team. Bianchi (right-back) brings toughness and hard-nosed defense.

Juniors Gracen Sundstrom, Hallie Schwartz, Lola Green, Olivia Hougham, Emma Horner, Rheanna Salisbury and Josie Aylor are also back for another season.

Sundstrom brings positive play 100 percent of the time, and this year will be more of a central midfield presence on the field. Schwartz will bring tough play and quick decision-making to the Outlaws' game, and will help hold down the midfield. Green is also a smart decision-maker in the midfield, and brings leadership and positive attitude to the squad. She will work together with Schwartz to hold down the midfield.

Hougham is a super-tough player and according to Jacobsen, she's the Outlaws' workhorse and will anchor the midfield along with Hallie and Lola. Horner is a strong defender, and is not afraid to body-up players. She will anchor the defense, along with Stewart.

Salisbury is the Outlaws' wall in the goal. Rheanna doesn't back down from challenges, and has improved greatly at the keeper position. Aylor will add strong play on the defensive end. She's strong on the ball, works hard, and isn't afraid to get into tackles.

New to the team is freshman Hollie Lewis. She will play at attacking wing and at forward. Jacobsen noted he's super-excited to be adding quickness and speed up front, and stated that Hollie is crafty and will push the upperclassmen to work hard and compete.

There are still a few kids on the bubble as far as playing on the varsity squad. Jacobsen told The Nugget that the girls soccer program is low in numbers, but they are trying to make two teams with what they have.

Jacobsen said, "I know these girls want to have a winning season and make playoffs. My goals for the team are for them to work together, respect one another, and to show sportsmanship all the time. I expect them to get better each day, and work towards our goal of making playoffs."

The girls will compete in the Oregon West League this season.