By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
No matter the classification, the Springfield Catholic Lady Irish keep winning district championships.
The Lady Irish have captured 18 district championships in classes 1 and 2 and now Class 3, after knocking off perennial power Glendale last season in the Class 3 District 10 final in a penalty kick shootout.
“The overall dynamic for this year’s team is extremely different from previous years,” said second-year head coach Mike Hines, who was named Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year. “While nothing is ultimately decided until March 18 (season opener), we have a chance to have 11 starters with two or three starters from every grade.”
Hines said with the graduation of eight seniors, there are several questions that will need to be answered quickly when the season begins.
“Replacing Hayley Singleton’s leadership, Emma George’s toughness and Kaitlyn Stickney and Taylor Rae Russell’s defending are not easily accomplished,” Hines said.
The Lady Irish, who finished 16-6-2 overall and advanced to the sectional round, have a great deal of experience returning this spring.
“Senior forward Abbi Murphy and juniors Avery Bowler and Sophia Cardin were all-district and all-conference last season and will be crucial this season in anchoring the defense,” Hines said.
“Sophomores Kennedi Roubal and Olivia Swisshelm are expected to anchor the left side, and both were all-district and all-conference last year with Swisshelm recording 17 goals and 7 assists as a freshman.
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“Maddie Meyer is coming off an extremely successful club season and is expected to hold down a starting role in the midfield for the Lady Irish.”
Incoming freshmen include Campbell Morgan, Peyton Wiseman, Maggie Mahaffey, Izzie Belz, Grace Hoerschgen, Tori Majhron, Lila Griesemer, Karsyn Bowler, Elizabeth Beecher and Bella Passanise, all of whom will have an opportunity to make a strong impact, Hines said.
Sophomore goalkeeper Hayley Brown, a Class 3 All-Region 3 selection, said there are a couple of gaps to fill in the backline.
“Last season was a great example of how defense wins games,” Brown said. “Our goals-against average was really low and when you make it difficult for teams to score, you have a chance to win a lot of games. We lost three starters from last year’s backline, so some players are going to have to step up.”
Some familiar faces to Lady Irish Soccer will be returning to the sidelines in various roles. Former player Olivia Wilson will be returning as the junior varsity head coach. Former all-staters and former and current Drury University players Mackenzie Serrano and Kaitlin Knetzke also will be assisting. Serrano will help with varsity and Knetzke will be training Grace Hoerschgen, Hayley Brown and Cherie Sabini in goal.
“I am beyond excited and honored to be back at SCHS coaching the women’s soccer team,” Serrano said. “I had some of my favorite memories playing for the Irish and I look forward to being a part of the girls’ experience this spring and to have the opportunity to give back to the program that have given me so much.”
Because of MSHSAA’s classification guidelines, the Lady Irish do not know if they will be in Class 2 or Class 3 or even their district assignment. This should be announced March 18 with the expectation of being Class 3, Hines said.
Catholic will participate in a jamboree at Republic with Ozark and Logan-Rogersville on March 11.
“Every year it seems we have a different starting lineup in over half our games due to a variety of reasons,” Hines said. “Still, our goals are always the same – be competitive in every game and compete for a district title. If both goals are accomplished, then it is a successful season.”
