By Brock Sisney (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
CARTHAGE — The Carthage Lady Tigers made huge strides during head coach Taylor Beck’s first season in 2019.
After all, the Lady Tigers posted a program-record 14 wins, matched their win total from the previous three seasons (14-7 in 2019 vs. 14-41 from 2016-18), and earned their first winning season since 2013.
Unfortunately, Carthage girls soccer and every other spring sports program in Missouri did not play last season due to the COVID pandemic.
“We had a fair amount of girls show up to conditioning / open field in January and February,” Beck said. “Based on the turnout, I feel that they realize their time in high school is short lived and to make the most out of the time they get especially in the sport they play. They got a whole year ripped from them. We are grateful to get back on the pitch and do what we love as coaches and athletes.
“We played in a few games in the summer and some girls played in an indoor league. I could tell they really missed the game and it was great to watch them do what they love and enjoy the sport again.”
Carthage opens its 2021 season Mar. 29 on the road against Fair Grove and the Lady Tigers play their home opener the next day against Kansas school Pittsburg.
“(We are) extremely excited,” Beck said. “The girls are already talking about the games and the jamboree is approaching quickly. We, as coaches, can’t wait to watch the girls play again together.”
The Lady Tigers return five starters from that historic 14-7 season and three of them have the same surname: Kaitlyn Reyes, Carla Marquez, Nicole Marquez, Daniela Marquez, and Keysli Elias. Additionally, Stephanie Matul, Yasny Gonzalez, Sonia Lopez, Maricela Reyes, Ivey Fancher, and Naomy Enriquez are returning players.
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“We have set some high goals for ourselves,” Beck said, “as the bar is set high based on two seasons ago. This group of girls is very coachable and love the sport, therefore my expectations are extremely high, but they do anything and everything to reach that bar. We had a really good record two seasons ago and I know the girls would love to beat that record this year.”
Beck said the team’s strengths are being very coachable, working well together, speed, and work ethic, but the loss of several players and not playing last season could lead to a young starting lineup this season. Beck identified three areas that will factor into a successful season — consistency, team chemistry, and coachability.
“The girls will know what to expect from us at all times and if they meet those expectations we will have another successful season,” Beck said. “The girls know that there is no drama on the field and any drama brought to the field in games or practices will only hurt us. They are very good at tunneling the drama away from the field and if they continue, we will continue being successful. The girls, as a whole, have always strived to meet my expectations and better themselves. I don’t see this trait changing for them.
“Their drive has continued to get better and they strive for excellence at all times. They pick each other up, from what I have observed in the offseason activities and they have each other’s back at all times. The team chemistry is excellent and I think that says a lot about their character as individuals.”
Beck said Fancher, Gonzalez, and Kaitlin Reyes have taken on leadership roles.
“Ivey pushes the girls at all times, but in a respectful manner,” Beck said. “She motivates them to continue pushing and doing their best. If someone is left behind in conditioning, she runs with them and helps them finish. Character like this is what makes us so successful.
“Yasny works exceptionally hard at everything she does on the field. The girls look up to her and her work ethic. The other girls try to match her work ethic which is helping the whole team.
“Kaitlin has become much more vocal. She’s a goalie and we need someone like her to help the girls on the field. I always tell them they need someone who will take charge on the field when they are playing. Someone instead of me. She has stepped into the role and I’m excited to watch how this will positively impact their game.”
Not playing an entire season has produced more newcomers than normal.
“Jazmine and Eva Cancinos are both incoming freshmen,” Beck said. “I had the opportunity of watching them play a little bit this winter. If they continue working hard and meeting some fitness goals, I can see them having the opportunity to see some varsity time.”
Carthage’s schedule features Fair Grove, Pittsburg, McDonald County, Aurora, Springfield Catholic, Bolivar, and McAuley Catholic in addition to the Central Ozark Conference foes. The Lady Tigers play in the Willard Tournament.
