By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Branson Lady Pirates experienced some growing pains during the 2019 season, but also a lot of growth.
“We lost a large class the season before last, so we had a lot of first-time varsity players last season,” Branson coach Brandon Scott said. “We also were very sophomore-heavy in our lineup, so we were trying to figure ourselves out and learn who is going to step into the roles that opened up. The positives were that we were able to gain a large amount of experience last season.
“In 2020, we will be returning 15 players with varsity experience, 11 of them will still be underclassmen. We truly have 20-plus girls who will be competing on a daily basis for varsity time at multiple positions. This competition is great for keeping players locked in during a long season as well as it keeps pushing each other to perform. We certainly are looking to improve off last season and are still in search of our program’s first district championship. As always, we also look to finish in the top half of a very tough COC each year.”
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The Lady Pirates finished 7-14-1 overall and concluded their season with a loss to Kickapoo in the Class 4 District 9 semifinals.
Losses to graduation include Madelyn Fields, Brooke Hunn and Molly Duncan.
• Madelyn Fields – Now playing at Culver-Stockton College. “Madelyn was a very consistent player for us in the midfield. She brought a physical presence to the middle and was able to distribute. We will miss her in the middle.”
• Brooke Hunn – Now playing at Evangel University. “Brooke brought us a lot of speed on the outside. She was also a captain and vocal leader for our squad last year.”
• Molly Duncan – Earned Class 4 District 9 and All-Central Ozark Conference first-team honors; family relocated to Georgia. “Molly was our leading scorer and assist leader last season as a sophomore. Molly’s skills and leadership abilities will be missed.”
“We graduated great vocal leaders on and off the field,” Scott said. “The ladies who graduated were great at creating a very fun and competitive atmosphere where everyone was connected. We will certainly miss their natural leadership abilities and will look to have new players stepping into those roles quickly.”
And, Scott has several returnees in position to step up.
• Elaina Knipple, junior, defender – Named to the all-district and all-conference second teams. “Elaina looks to be an anchor for us in our defense. She was a staple at center back for us last season and was able to disrupt a lot of offenses with her anticipation and skills with the ball. We were looking forward to having Elaina for another two years, locking down our defense. Elaina began to shine last season as just a sophomore when we started the season as a full-time varsity starter.”
• Katie Jaeger, senior, forward – Earned all-district second-team honors. “Katie will return this year on pace to finish in the top-3 for goals, assists and games played at the varsity level this year for the Branson girls’ soccer program. She will be the spark plug at the top of our offense. She brings a large amount of experience and speed to our team. She has several schools looking at her to play at the next level but has not narrowed it down yet.”
• Chloe Grimm, sophomore, forward – “Chloe is a very physical player who has a great ability to find the ball in front of the goal and score. Chloe started every game as a freshman and looks to bring a great deal of experience to our offense as just a sophomore this season.”
• Grace Dean, senior, goalkeeper – “Grace was a full-time starter last season in the goal and did some great things for us. We are looking forward to Grace returning and shining this season with her vocal leadership ability and her knowledge of the game. Grace does a great job of seeing the field and keeping our defense connected.”
• Chloe Lampe, senior, defender – “Chloe fought through some injuries last season, but was an all-district defender in her sophomore season. We are excited to have her healthy and back for a full season this year.”
• Ava Marti, sophomore – “Ava was able to gain a lot of experience in her freshman year at the varsity level and even had opportunities to start several games. That will be very helpful to give her experience and confidence headed into her sophomore season.”
• Allyssa Marti, sophomore, midfielder/forward – “Allyssa will get plugged into the middle of the field for us as a central midfielder. Allyssa got some great opportunities last season as a freshman to play in that role and did very well for us. She looks to gain more playing time this season at varsity level and control the middle of the field for us.”
• Maya Costello and Tenley Wilkerson, junior defenders – “Both of these girls got several starts and a lot of experience in their sophomore year with our defense. We are excited for them to continue anchoring our backline this year. They both have a great deal of speed and can play physical to disrupt the offense of the other team.”
Other players who got varsity experience last season included: Lexi Zabel, Kayla Brenner, Faith Flemming, Brooke Griffith, Alli Hawkins and Katlund Mann.
The Lady Pirates will be without senior forward Maggie Bartell, who will miss the season because of injury.
“Maggie was a forward/wing starter for us her junior year before she had a season-ending injury that will also contribute to keeping her out her senior season as well,” Scott said. “Her energy and work ethic will be greatly missed.”
Branson has more young players coming up in sophomores Natalya Bradley, Courtney Poe and freshmen Kloey Alms, Briley Effird and Avery Webber.
“We are very excited for this group to get their opportunities this season,” Scott said. “Natalya and Courtney bring some great athleticism and speed to our roster, and the incoming freshmen have been seasoned club players who have been around the game a lot. Their knowledge and abilities could open opportunities for them going forward this season.”
The Lady Pirates will participate in a jamboree at Hillcrest with Branson, Fair Grove and Laquey, before opening the regular season at Mountain View-Birch Tree Liberty on March 24.
“We have really built a schedule that is going to push us early and prepare us for a run in the conference this year, as well as prepare us for a run into the postseason,” Scott said.
