By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Ozark Lady Tigers’ Class of 2019 is no stranger to winning.
For each of the past three years, Ozark has had a winning record, with this year’s seniors leading the program to a 56-16 overall record.
But, one thing that is missing is a district championship.
The last Ozark High School girls’ soccer team to bring one home was the 2008 squad, and the 2019 seniors hope to end that drought.
“It has always been one of our goals that we will be working really hard this year to accomplish,” said senior forward standout and Mizzou signee, Jadyn Easley. “A district title would mean a lot, especially for the seniors who have been so close the past three years.”
Ozark has appeared in the last two Class 4 District 10 finals, but each time has fallen short, and each time to Kickapoo by identical 2-1 scores. Last year, the Lady Tigers lost a heartbreaker that came down to the final PK in a penalty kick shootout (4-3).
“After graduating a very strong senior class in 2017, I knew the girls had big shoes to fill,” said second-year coach Chris Shull. “We replaced six starters (from the year prior) with first-time varsity players. We were successful at filling those spots with developing players and the record reflected that.
“However, we have high expectations and would consider it a truly successful Spring by advancing in the postseason. On the other hand, this is a new season and we are moving forward with new opportunities.”
Gone from last year’s team are: Addi Lasley (goalkeeper), 9 shutouts; Addy Shivler (midfielder), 4 goals, 2 assists, playing soccer at Jefferson County Community College; Kelton Hewett (defender), playing soccer at St. Louis Community College; and Crozby Gannon (defender).
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“Addy Lasley’s experience and leadership will be missed,” Shull said, “and Crozby Gannon and Kelton Hewett’s play as defenders will be missed; both were strong and smart players.”
The Lady Tigers, who finished 17-7 overall and 7-1 in the Central Ozark Conference Large Division last season, return a strong and talented group of seniors, featuring one of the area’s top players in Easley.
Easley, who is a three-time Class 4 All-State selection, also earned Class 4 All-Region 3 honors and was named the Class 4 District 10 Offensive Player of the Year, in addition to her all-conference first-team selection last season.
Having committed to Mizzou during the early part of her sophomore year, Easley possesses a special set of skills.
“It is rare to find a player that registers high on the most-important scales including, speed, skill, awareness, creativity, physicality and mental toughness,” Shull said. “All of these virtues depict Jadyn.
“But, this didn’t happen overnight. She worked at it. She’s a goal-setter and works to reach them. She never gets complacent and wants to get better. Her work ethic is infectious and her impact on Ozark girls’ soccer is felt. I am blessed to coach a player like Jadyn.”
Easley, who scored 33 goals and recorded 15 assists last season, is approaching the Ozark girls’ career goals-scored record, and likely will break it early this season. The Ozark record currently stands at 102. Heading into the season, Easley has 98 goals, and if she continues at her 33 goals-a-season pace, she will set a new standard at Ozark, as well as threaten to break into the top 16 in the state of Missouri.
“It is an accomplishment that I would be proud of, but what it truly means is I have had the opportunity to play with great teammates who made it possible,” Easley said.
“I am sure the goal-scoring records are on her mind, but she rarely brings it up,” Shull said. “She realizes that soccer is a ‘dueling’ game with 1v1 matches all over the field. She welcomes this. However, she also has pride in her assists. Some of her teammates have played with her since they were 10. She relies on them, like they rely on her. This is a very special senior group.”
Some of those special Lady Tiger seniors include:
Ava Scott (defender) 3 goals, Class 4 All-Region 3, Class 4 District 10 and All-COC first team selection. Playing soccer at Drury University next year.
“Ava is a stellar defender,” Shull said. “She has played at a high level since she was a young girl and has dueled against the best forwards. I am most amazed about her poise under pressure and she is able to take on many roles as an interior player.”
Shannon Murphy (forward), 18 goals, 13 assists, all-district and all-conference first team. Playing soccer at Evangel University next year.
“Shannon is another strong senior attacking player. She plays at a high level. She is technically savvy and strong on the ball. We are really excited to have her in our starting lineup.”
Ashley McCulloch (midfielder), 11 goals, 6 assists, all-district, all-conference second team. Playing at Drury next season.
“Ashley is a strong and savvy central midfielder who we expect big strides from during the season. She is a very intelligent player who plays quick and simple, but highly effective.”
Keeley Combs (midfielder), 9 goals, 3 assists, all-conference second team. Playing at Drury next year.
“Keeley is a very versatile player who plays hard every minute. Her work ethic during a contest is amazing and we are asking her to not only demonstrate this during the season, but show the underclassmen the importance of working hard.”
Peyton Lane (defender): “Peyton Lane, is a versatile player who will help lead our defense this season. Peyton made strides last year and we are excited to have her. She brings an athletic presence and leadership on the field.”
Newcomers looking to make an impact this season include juniors Olivia Belles, Eliza McComas and Ashley Malonee.
Belles is a midfielder, who played varsity last season, scoring 6 goals with 1 assist; McComas is a defender, who played both varsity and JV last year; and Malonee is a midfielder who played mostly JV last year. Senior Emily Pierson and sophomore Emily McCulloch also will look to contribute this season.
“(These players) are expected to step up this year and contribute on varsity,” Shull said. “We expect them to step in immediately and have an impact. Also, we are looking for a few underclassmen to step up, and we will be evaluating them early in the season.”
Players vying to fill Lasley’s shoes in goal include junior Emily Freeman, who was the JV keeper and back-up to Lasley on varsity last season, and freshmen Delaney Burks and Reagan Dickinson.
“We will be evaluating in the preseason and early part of the regular season,” Shull said. “All girls will get an opportunity to compete.
“We have a strong senior class. Their leadership will be vital to our success. We also have a big freshman class, as well. I will challenge the seniors to bring those younger players along, and to take them under their wings and assist in establishing team chemistry.”
The biggest key heading into this season will be to start strong, said Shull, who coached both the boys’ and girls’ teams at Greenwood Laboratory School, compiling a 204-136-8 record on the boys’ side, and a 108-92 record with the girls.
“Our first 12 games will be extremely tough,” Shull said. “This will be the first test of the season. We want to provide a positive environment where our players can grow, improve and take risks.”
The Lady Tigers kick things off by traveling to Columbia on March 16 to take on Battle and Columbia Hickman.
“The senior class wants to go out with a winning record, and a conference and district championship,” Easley said. “This will take tremendous team effort, along with proper practice and conditioning. We are going to have to approach this season with the mentality of one game at a time.”
