Dogs must replace large class
The Swanton girls soccer team must replace a large class lost to graduation as they look to continue recent success. The Bulldogs lost 10 players from last year's district runner-up team.
The biggest loss is Kristen Smith, last year's leading scorer, who was all-district all four years and all state last season. Among others gone are Jordan Childress, twice all-district, who is continuing her career at Bluffton University and Courtney Van Decline, a three time all-district honoree.
"Experience is a major weakness," said fifth year head coach Jim Carpenter. "We have 16 players, eight of which have no varsity experience and seven that have no high school soccer experience."
Among those back is senior midfielder Courtney Terwilliger who is in her four year of varsity. "Her experience will help the others early on," the coach said.
Sophomore Kendra Eitniear, last year's second leading scorer is also back as is another senior leader sweeper Anna Kusz.
Key prospects for the season include freshmen Leslie Gergich, Courtney Meeks and Shylie Houston and sophomore Chelsie Lucio. Gergich and Lucio add speed, Meeks has strength and Houston is versatile, according to the coach.
The players' hard work will be one of the strengths of the squad.
"Our overall team speed and endurance will be hard to match," Carpenter said. "The girls worked very hard at conditioning this summer and we will push the pace in games to wear other teams out."
He added that if the teams builds on where they are at right now they will be a tough out come tournament time.
The NWOAL does not have enough teams for a league title but says Archbold and Bryan should be strong. Swanton has an early test against Bryan to see where they are at in comparison.
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