By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rolla Lady Bulldogs are another team in the area that will have a new leader patrolling the sidelines, as Matt Calvert takes the reins of the girls’ program in 2024.
Calvert is no stranger to Rolla Soccer, having starred in the midfield for the Bulldogs, earning Class 2 All-State honorable mention honors as a senior in the fall of 2012, leading the team to a 24-5 record and a state quarterfinal appearance. He went on to play at Central Methodist University before an ankle injury ended his playing career.
“The girls had a very strong 2023 season,” said Calvert, who led the boys’ team to a 16-8 overall record in the fall. “We graduated quite a few key seniors, but we have some players that are excited for the opportunity to step up.”
Rolla finished the season with a 14-9 overall and 8-2 Ozark Conference record (third place). In Clss 3 District 5 tournament, the Lady Bulldogs shut out Camdenton 4-0 in the first round before falling to Union 2-1 in the semifinals.
The Lady Bulldogs will look to improve upon last season’s outcome, led by an experienced group of returning players that includes two seniors and seven juniors.
Ava Burnett, senior midfielder – An All-Ozark Conference honorable mention selection. “Our leader in the back,” Calvert said. “We’ll be looking to her to provide the backbone of our defense.”
Olivia Young, junior forward – All-conference second team. “Coming off a good season last year. She’s ready to find her form as a goal scorer. Looking forward to seeing how this year goes for her.”
Emily Pendleton, junior back – “Got some good experience last season at defense for us. Great work ethic and reads the game well.”
Kate Arnold, junior back – “Strong, skilled defender. Hopefully, we can keep her healthy all season.”
Apryl Decker, junior back – “Very versatile player. Might be moving to a winger role for us.”
Emma Fontenot, junior forward – All-conference second team. “Really excited for Emma to move into a center midfield role for us. Very technical; looking forward to seeing her step up into that role.”
Hallye Hodges, junior, midfielder/forward – “Very hard-working, versatile player. She could fill any position for a midfield or forward. Probably looking at a center-mid role with Emma.”
McKenna Moore, junior forward – “Another player looking to step up and assert herself this season. Played mostly right back last season, but will probably be moving to a winger position for us.”
Addi Bolich, senior back – “Another leader on the backline for us. Going to be looking for her to step up vocally and direct. Very strong ball winner.”
“I really like the ball movement and movement off the ball that the girls have shown,” Calvert said. “Our backline has also shown lots of growth.
“We’re really going to be counting on the veteran back line this season. We will also need our midfield to continue to move the ball like they’ve demonstrated they can. And of course, once we’ve been able to show we can create the chances, we have to finish those chances.”
Calvert will be looking to freshman Belen Lane to fill the void left in goal.
“We graduated both of our goalkeepers last season and didn’t really have a backup,” Calvert said. “Thankfully, Belen decided she wanted to take on that responsibility and has grown very quickly into the role.”
Lost to graduation includes six leaders from the May Class of 2023 and one who graduated early.
Dace Murray, goalkeeper – “Dace was our starting goalie for years,” Calvert said. “The backline felt confident with her in goal. It’s going to be an adjustment to move from what we’ve known for so long to something new.”
Campbell Smith, back – “Played center back for us. She really stepped up her senior season and directed the defense.”
Lydia Meusch, wing – “Her athleticism was incredible. You couldn’t lose track of her for a second or you would never catch up to her.”
Chloe Lucas, midfielder – All-conference honorable mention. “Part of our center-mid duo that ran things for us last season. Chloe was up and down the field, playing offense and defense and excelling at both.”
Zoe Hargis, midfielder/forward – All-State honorable mention, Class 3 All-Region 3 and all-conference first-team. “The other part of our center-mid duo. Zoe was the more offensively minded of the two and it showed in how many goals she was a part of. A vocal leader directing from the center of the field.”
Faith Coates, forward/midfielder – All-region and all-conference first team. “Our goal scorer up top last season; had a knack for finding the back of the net. There was always the feeling that she might pull off something crazy and special.”
Hannah Bleckman, senior goalkeeper – “Graduated early last year and joined the Air Force.”
Rolla will participate in a jamboree at Camdenton with Dixon and Waynesville on March 11 before opening the regular season in the Bluefish Soccer Invitational on March 15.
