By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lebanon Lady Yellowjackets return four starters and three seniors this spring.
It was a tough go last season as the Yellowjackets authored a 5-15 record, but the sub .500 record is being chalked up as a positive.
Head coach Jacob Woolsey enters his third season with Lebanon and has been with the district in multiple capacities since 2013 and has produced a head-coaching record of 15-31.
Flipping last season into a positive has been the first step over the offseason.
“This season, we are looking to build off of last year’s experience and continue developing team chemistry and consistency,” Woolsey said.
Addison Collins (Midfield/Forward), Destiney Stokes (Defender), Jenna Rosen (Defender), Kameron Compton (Goalkeeper), Celisity Passmore (Midfielder), Alexis Perryman (Midfielder), Bailey Lowrance (Defender) have since graduated, opening the proverbial doors for others — for the new wave of Yellowjackets.
This year, though, Woolsey has an experienced core at his disposal, as junior midfielder/forward Miah Orcutt, senior midfielder Mahayla Smith, senior defender Madilynn Hilton and Ashlin Baum, a sophomore defender, are back in the fold this spring.
Returning seniors include Mahayla Smith (midfield), Madilynn Hilton (defender), and Emilee Malott (defender).
While some positions are solidified, some have yet to gain Woolsey’s stamp of approval.
One returner, though, currently has the upper hand, as she has impressed of late.
“Still to be determined,” Woolsey said of the keeper position. “Last season, Madilynn Hilton stepped into the role midseason when our starting goalkeeper had to leave.”
Keying the offense this year are two familiar names: Miah Orcutt (junior) and Mahayla Smith (senior).
Said Woolsey: “Miah and Mahayla will be key leaders in the midfield.”
For fans, the following players have been tabbed “ones to watch” this season.
Miah Orcutt: “Strong attacking presence in the midfield and forward positions.”
Mahayla Smith: “Experienced senior midfielder who will be crucial in controlling possession.”
Ashlin Baum: “A sophomore defender with strong defensive skills.”
Jaylin Keller: “Junior midfielder who is calm under pressure and a hard worker in the center of the field.”
While the core is intact, Woolsey said up-and-comers will have ample opportunities to contribute, as the team is counting on the new pool of Yellowjackets to make their presence known.
“Newcomers and underclassmen will have opportunities to step up and make an impact this year,” he said.
The Yellowjackets now prep for the March 14 preseason jamboree, which they will host at 6 p.m.
Teams are TBA.
Lebanon opens the spring season March 31 at Marshfield before making the trip west to Joplin on April 1.
Then, the team is at Neosho on April 3 and the regular season comes to a close on May 13 as the team visits Glendale.
Lebanon went 10-31 the past two seasons and is looking for its first winning campaign since the 2021-22 season when the team produced a 14-11 record.
