Girls soccer looks to be solid again this year
This might be the hardest working team Greg Trenerry has ever coached. That looks to be a good sign for this year's girl's soccer team.
"They're going to be a good team," Trenerry said Monday. "This is one of the hardest working teams I've had on two a day practices."
The girls team took third in the state last year, winning in a thrilling shootout finish to Livingston.
Losing just three seniors, this team should be in good form for a state title this year. They get tested early however, opening the season against AA Flathead this Saturday, Aug. 28, in Kalispell. Game time is 11 a.m. for the boys, 1 p.m. for the girls.
The girls haven't beat Flathead in recent memory, but they always play them close.
This year's team has 21 players. Trenerry said their main strength is depth and speed. They have some upcoming freshman who will try to make a mark early and will see playing time.
This year, the girls soccer sees a conference realignment. They're now in the same conference with Bigfork, Libby and Whitefish. Gone, too, is a year-end tournament. Class A soccer this season goes to a lose-and-you're-out playoff format from Oct. 14 to Oct. 30. No double elimination. No third place.
Trenerry said he's not taking any team lightly, but Corvallis and Hamilton both look to be strong again this year, as does perennial favorite Whitefish, which has some good freshmen coming up.
Assisting Trenerry this fall is Rona DuBay. Trenerry's daughters, Hauna and Nicolette have also helped when they can. Nicolette teaches reading in Helena, but with the extra manpower before school started, the team had a good mini-camp.
This season's roster includes: Seniors: Kim Pearce, Carla Appleton, Cassie Stoneman, Torri Hoye and Ashley Sweeney. Juniors: Vanessa Almanza, Lisa Carter and Michelle Valov. Sophomores: Jessica Boyer, Sarah Franck, Alona Raymond, Beth Karper, Amber Lampman, Emily Wortman and Ashley Horine. Frosh: Meghan DuBay, Lindsey Henning, Jylisa Fields, Colyne Hislop, Kate Anderson and Samantha Thompson.