By Chris Parker
Crocker soccer had a string of three straight district title snapped last season.
The Lady Lions will look to start a new streak with six starters returning this season.
A pair of all-state players in senior forward Emma Routh and junior goalkeeper Brooke Gan return this season. Routh scored 33 goals and had 13 assists last season. Gan posted two shutouts with 9.9 saves per game.
Routh has three years of starting experience at forward. She will lead an attacking unit that also includes sophomore Jazzalyn Coffelt.
The midfield is up for competition, but Maddacin Rader, Abbie Sharpensteen, Natalie Johnson and Mallory Gan are all names who might find a spot in the midfield.
Defense is the most experienced unit led by junior Kayla Moore. Makya Hutchison, Kimmy Pyle, Brooke French and Autumn Glackin are other players to watch for at defense in front of Gan in the goal.
“Our strength this season will be our team’s resilience and work ethic. We have a group of girls who are going to get out and push each other to work every day to make improvements,” Crocker head coach Rich Hennan said. “Tightening up defensively and finding ways to put up consistent defensive performances will be our focus this season. After giving up three goals per game last season, we will have to find a way to be more organized out of possession and to defend as a unit.”
Crocker opens the season on Mar. 15 at the Lebanon Kick-off Tournament.
“I expect our girls to showcase a growth of their skills and to be competitive in every game we play this season, no matter who the competition is,” Heenan said.
