In Mike Howard's 25 seasons as head coach of the Rolla Lady Bulldogs, the 2016 edition could quite possibly be one of his most successful.
The program has been gaining steam since 2013 and has won at least 15 games in each of the last three years. After a 2015 campaign that saw an 18-8-1 record, a second place finish in the Ozark Conference and a narrow defeat to top-ranked Rockwood Summit in the state sectional round, there's been no shortage of optimism surrounding the team.
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To make things even more enticing, Rolla brings back its key performers who were vital to last year's successes.
“We return a large group of players,” Howard said. “They're fun kids. It should be an exciting season for us.”
The Lady Bulldogs will be led offensively by junior Addy Brow, who has put together a terrific first two years at the forward position.
Brow, who collected 23 goals during her sophomore year and earned 1st team All-Conference honors last spring, will be joined by all-state senior goalkeeper Katie Hudson, who is expected to continue her dominance protecting the net.
Rolla will certainly be racking up the miles over the two-month regular season with trips to West Plains, Joplin, Carl Junction, and Republic looming, in addition to traveling to the Springfield-based schools in conference play.
Arguably the toughest test for the Lady Bulldogs comes on Apr. 9 when they travel to take on Webster Groves – a Class 3 state semifinalist a year ago.
In district play, the Lady Bulldogs are joined by West Plains, Marshfield and Glendale.
“We have a very difficult schedule with lots of travel in a short season,” Howard said.
Although this could be a special year for Rolla, Howard is making sure his club doesn't get ahead of itself and takes things one step at a time.
“We're going to try to get better each day and see where we stand at the end of the season.”
Rolla starts its season by hosting the Rolla High School Soccer Tournament beginning on Mar. 18.
