Outlaws earn all-league recognition

The Lady Outlaws soccer team had nine players selected to all-league teams, including four first-team picks: Josie Patton, Anya Shockley, Hollie Lewis, and Analise Backus.

Patton, a junior, was named first-team goalkeeper of the year. Patton and her teammates logged 10 shut-outs on the season, and only allowed six goals during league play.

Coach Brian Holden said, “Josie is a strong, physical, and confident player in the goal, and is a positive leader for her team in the back. She’s grown tremendously as a keeper, minimizing mistakes in front of the goal.”

Shockley, a senior, earned first-team all-league forward. She scored 22 goals over the course of the season, the most goals scored of any player in the league. Shockley also tallied eight assists.

“Anya is a fast, powerful forward, and in my opinion is unstoppable in the open field,” said Holden. “She pressures defenders for turnovers and is generous passing with her back to the goal.”

Lewis, a senior, was recognized as first-team center midfield. She scored nine goals and logged six assists.

“Hollie is hardworking in the middle, and her work rate is unmatchable,” said Holden. “Her fitness allows her to play on both ends of the field. She’s improved tremendously from last year and is a very coachable

kid.”

Backus, a junior, was selected first-team defensive center back. Holden noted that Backus distributes the ball out of the back very well, minimizes turnovers, is patient while she’s defending, and works well with her counterparts, Sage and Shae Wyland.

Marley Holden was the Outlaws’ only second-team all-leaguer, and earned that honor as a defensive center midfielder. Holden scored two goals during the season and tallied seven assists.

“Marley controls the pace of the game,” said Coach Holden. “She has an exceptional first-touch and good vision of the field. She knows where the ball needs to be played and minimizes turnovers from the middle of the field.”

Several players earned honorable mention, including Sage Wyland (junior), Shae Wyland (freshman), Reese Harwell (senior), and Emma Lutz (senior).

Sage Wyland was recognized as a defensive center back, and her sister Shae was recognized as a defensive outside back.

“Both Sage and Shae contribute with their speed and their work ethic,” said Holden. “They are patient when defending, and minimize fouls. They are both very coachable kids.”

Harwell was an honorable mention defensive center back. Holden stated that Harwell’s physical play and hard work made it difficult for players to beat her. She was always a positive role model for her team.

Lutz rounds out the all-league picks, and was selected honorable mention winger. Lutz contributed six assists from the outside this season. She played confident against her opponents and beat them with her dribble. She also contributed the majority of the Outlaws’ crosses that resulted in goal-scoring opportunities.

Holden said, “It was a very fun and rewarding year in a very tough league. I’m going to miss the seniors that have contributed to my previous three years of coaching, and I’m looking forward to next year.”