Columbia High’s girls soccer team had two seasons in the fall of 2014.
The first one started badly as the Bruins lost four of their first five 1A Trico League matches and were left wondering if things might only get worse.
Ah, but the second one produced the kind of soccer the Bruins have become known for in the Southwest District’s 1A circle: tenacious defensive coverage and exciting play-making ability.
The Bruins improved from 2-4 overall at the midway point to 7-6 overall by the end of the regular season. They finished third in Trico standings (based on a points system) and again qualified for the district playoffs. (Eatonville eliminated CHS in a play-in match to the double-elimination portion of the tournament.)
Eleven players return from the team that finished 7-7 overall, including eight starters, all of whom are seniors now for Bruins Coach Amy Kasenga, who announced that this, her 14th season, will be her last as CHS girls soccer coach.
On defense, the Bruins return senior defenders Olivia Grim, Mailisa MacNally, Maya Rockwell, and Stacia Bell, and goalkeeper Emily Logan.
Seniors Claire Anderson and Aidan Liddiard are back to hold down the middle field for the Bruins, while the offense will feature, among others, senior forward Bethany Putnam.
Other key returnees include junior Lily Painter and sophomore Alondra Cazares in the midfield, and sophomore Jordan Murphy at forward.
Newcomers to this year’s varsity are freshman Ivy McDonald, juniors Drew Harmon and Kya Fee, and senior Lauren Thiesies, who will also serve as the team’s back-up goalkeeper.
“Because of our high number of returning players this season, we expect to have some impact from new players amongst such a strong returning cast,” Kasenga said. “We are looking forward to the maturity and defensive mind of Lauren Thiesies returning to our team. We look forward to seeing how her athleticism impacts our already strong defense.”
Kasenga also is hoping that, because of the large class of seniors, the Bruins will be “a cohesive group that works the ball out of the back and maintains great possession.”
The Bruins also will look to take advantage of Caz-ares’ speed on the left flank and Anderson’s on the right for what Kasenga said “should make for some exciting attacks.”
Columbia’s keys to success, according to Kasenga, are communication, trust, and creativity.
“We are hoping to play a few different formations at different moments,” she noted. “This will allow for creative attacks but will require constant talk and trust in one another so that our movement both on and off the ball are effective.”
Kasenga expects the Trico League to be competitive, same as it ever has been during her tenure.
Last year, she said the improvement of both King’s Way and Seton Catholic wreaked havoc on the league, as did the impressive speed of Castle Rock.
“As far as I know, none of them lost large numbers, and all had some young talent. They will be competitive,” Kasenga said. “La Center is always tough for us, as well; we don’t expect anything different this year.”
CHS’s goals are to place in the top half of Trico League standings, “and, of course, we are hopeful for a playoff spot come end of October,” Kasenga said.
She added, “To end our season in the top three would be a perfect ending to my coaching career at CHS. I am looking forward to enjoying every moment with this team this season.”
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