WEST ALEXANDRIA — A look at the Twin Valley South girls soccer roster, and it seems they are poised to make some noise in the league this season.
The Lady Panthers hold eight seniors, all of whom have been part of the program since their freshman season.
“It’s a once in a lifetime group of seniors,” said head coach Chad Newport. “If we play the way we have been through preseason and the first game, I see a winning season. I think we have a chance at league – its wide open this year.”
Their senior class is made up of Kenzi Futrell and Autumn Daniel, who will anchor the midfield; Morgan Newhart, Jaycie Fisher, and Kirsten Keener will be big on the defensive end; and their offense will be led by Victoria Denlinger, who is South’s all-time leader in goals.
“We are going to live or die by the way Victoria plays. She distributes well and really making our offense fly,” said Newport.
The Lady Panthers also bring back junior Abby Creech, who will join Denlinger at forward.
The team did begin the season with a big loss, as senior defender Kara Johnson was lost for the season with an ACL injury.
“She’s arguably one of the best defenders ever at South,” said Newport. “A great player, great kid, and great family. It’s not supposed to happen to people like that for sure.”
They will also need to replace Ali Robertson in goal, who was a senior and team leader last season.
Lacey Emrick has taken over the positon though, and seems to possess the right athleticism to fill the void.
“Ali used her mind and technique while Lacey relies on her athleticism,” said Newport. “She has great vision and anticipation. Every game and every scrimmage and every practice, she keeps getting better and better.”
Rounding out the rest of the roster for South is Sophie Cottingim, Aubree Kortz, Kayleigh Hale, Kelsie Shafer, Sydney Vorhis, Kassidy Whaley, Abby Robertson, and Madison Ankrom.
The team opened up their season with a 4-2 victory of Miami Valley, with two goals coming from Vorhis. Creech and Denlinger added one apiece as well while Creech tacked on three assist for the contest.
They are scheduled to travel to Union County on Wednesday, Aug. 26 for a 5 p.m. match-up. They will also travel to Carlisle on Saturday, Aug. 29 for a 12:30 p.m. game and to Dixie on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a 5:30 p.m. start time.
