They often say that experience wins games, but Rogersville will contest that adage when it hits the pitch this spring.
Although fairly young, the Lady Wildcats, who trek on without some key seniors from last season's roster, still return a couple of valuable upperclassmen pieces to add some much-needed balance to the team – one that compiled an 11-12-1 overall record last year and fell to MV-BT/Liberty in the district title match.
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“We graduated a good class of girls that could be counted on,” head coach Brett Wubbena said, now in his eighth year. “We have a good group coming back and a good freshman class coming in.”
Rogersville will need to have its blend of youth and experience equate to success relatively quickly, considering that the Lady Wildcats will have daunting road games against Willard, Central and Catholic – all teams that qualified for the state playoffs in 2015.
Wubbena's squad will also partake in the tough Ozark Tournament during the second week of April – competing against Osage, Ozark and Republic over two days.
Senior Allie Pell will be counted on to lead the way as Rogersville trudges through its challenging slate. Playing on the back line for the majority of her high school career, Pell might be entered into some new territory this spring.
“She is a hard worker and makes the team better in every area,” Wubbena said of Pell. “She has played in the defense most of her career, but will likely move up to the midfield.”
Junior Lexie Christopher, who had her 2015 season cut short due to injury, returns to action for the Lady Wildcats and will bring her All-District talent to complement Pell.
As for some of the players with a little less experience on the pitch, look for Alyssa Johnson (So.) and Jaiden Leonarduzzi (Jr.) to make some noise. Johnson showed her skills during her extended time on varsity a season ago, while Leonarduzzi is still developing her game – a process that has been coming along nicely.
“Jaiden [Leonarduzzi] has a gift for reading the ball and putting herself in good space,” Wubbena said. “Last year was her first year playing soccer and she impressed.”
Despite the turnover and some question marks for Wubbena, he believes that his team's preseason drive and work ethic give them a realistic shot to raise a district championship trophy in May.
“I like the hard work that the girls are putting in so far,” Wubbena added. “They look like they want more this year.”
Rogersville kicks off its season at Willard on Mar. 22.
