By Chris Parker
Aurora soccer has an experienced core of players returning from last season’s four-win team. The Lady Houns have 10 starters and 15 players returning.
“Last year we looked to double our wins from the year before, and we succeeded with that goal,” Aurora Head Coach Shawn Pennell said. “This year we look to again double our wins from last year.”
Jacey Lee (senior), Damari Valenciano (junior) and Ashlyn Teague (senior) will be the team’s leaders.
“In goal we have Jacey Lee. She has been what has kept us in games when we really needed her to. She has a good mind for needed leadership on the field,” Pennell said. “In midfield we have Damari Valenciano. She has both skills needed to be in the mid. She can get the ball where it is needed and can efficiently communicate. On offense, we have Ashlyn Teague who joined last season and became a needed threat on offense.”
Kelsey Veirs (senior) and Ashlyn Campbell (sophomore) will join Teague up to at forward.
Andrea Nungaray (sophomore) will be in the midfield with Valenciano.
Abigail Koehler (junior), Nadia Davis (junior), Joselin Moreno (sophomore) and Hillary Perez (sophomore) will be in front of Lee at defender.
“Last year we had a very young team with only one senior and three juniors with the rest of the roster being filled out by sophomore and freshman,” Pennell said. “This year we have players with more experience to help provide leadership to the team.”
Aurora opens the season Mar. 21 at Branson
