Last spring was a banner season for the Mountain View-Birch Tree/Liberty girls’ soccer team.
“Last year was a record-setting year for us,” said Mountain View-Birch Tree Liberty Eagles soccer coach Joey Spittler. “We broke the record for wins in a year and goals scored while winning our second-ever district championship.”
The Eagles overtook Rogersville for the district title last season but were eliminated from the state tournament by Springfield Catholic in sectional play, ending with a 16-5 record.
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This year, the Eagles welcome a host of young players after losing seven starters, four of whom were All-District last year.
“The group of seniors we had last year were a special group,” said Spittler. “They worked very hard as the year went on and they were playing really well when it came time for the start of districts. Our expectations for this year will be a little different with so many young players.”
The Eagles welcome back four seniors, all defensive players last year: Hanna Vines, Taylor Pulliam, Kaitlyn Raith and Bailey Wagner. Goalie Jaci Mantel, junior, will also bring her experience to the table.
New to the program this year are two freshmen, Amanda Mantel and Abby Reese, both who have looked good in early practices according to their coach.
Also competing for a chance to earn a starting spot are Savannah Salinas, Morgan Wilson, Whittney Prewett, Angelina Herold, Cami Daniels, and Kristina Stockton.
“It’s hard to say which of our new players will have the most impact,” said Spittler. “We have several that will have the opportunity.”
He expects some of the upperclassmen that played a lot last year will step into a starting role for the team, and the defense will also change as the year progresses.
“It will take us awhile to get used to playing together and I'm sure we will struggle some at the beginning of the season,” said Spittler. “It will be very important for us to be patient and come together as a team. Hopefully after a few games we will figure out the best combination of players and put them in positions where they can be successful.
“We hope that by the time the district tournament comes around we will be solid and good enough to compete with the rest of the teams in our district.”
