THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 17, 1996 TAG: 9603150201
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 31 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY VICKI L. FRIEDMAN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
GREAT BRIDGE AND Western Branch, which finished 1-2 in the Southeastern District girls soccer race last year, are solid favorites to repeat this season.
The Wildcats only gave up one goal last year in district play, on a penalty kick. Although they graduated three of four starting defenders, sophomore sweeper Meghan Salo, the leader of the bunch, returns.
``Salo was the real leader back there,'' Wildcats coach Harvey Regan said. ``If we can mold her and Karen Seifert, Kendall Smith and Casey Miller into a functioning unit, we may be stronger than last year.''
Offensively, Great Bridge graduated Lynn Wheaton (74 goals in her three-season career).
``Last year's strategy of play defense and then kick the ball to Lynn will not be effective this year,'' Regan said. ``We are going to try to control the ball more and build a more cohesive attack.''
Western Branch will challenge Great Bridge along with an improved Oscar Smith team.
CHURCHLAND
Coach: Biff Andrews
1995 record:
Key performers: Kate Foley (Sr. M); Beth Parker (Jr. M); Kat Crandall (Jr. M); Bev Frias (So. D/FB); Stacy Clintock (So. D/FB); Courtney Hundley (Sr. GK).
Outlook: With 24 on the roster, team has depth but is young and will start a several freshmen. Churchland is without a dominant player but should be competitive within the district.
DEEP CREEK
Coach: Todd Revell/Ann Neary
1995 record: 6-8
Key performers: Carrie Ford (Sr. F); Jennifer Carlisle (Sr. FB); Teresa Bradshaw (Sr. F); Melissa Bouley (Sr. FB); Melissa O'Haviano (Jr. F); Amy Hestor (Jr. FB); Rian Cuithell (Jr. F); Annie Ashley (So. MF).
Outlook: Nine returners plus some experienced young players should help Deep Creek to be more competitive this year.
GREAT BRIDGE
Coach: Harvey Regan
1995 record: 9-9, 7-1-0
Key performers: Jennifer Hilborn (Jr. M/F); Jessie Berdick (Jr. M/F); Anna Oliver (Jr. GK); Meghan Salo (So. D); Kelly Hales (So. F); Karen Seifert (So. D); Beth Garzon (So. M); Valerie Rendin (Jr. M).
Outlook: Should be the team to beat in the district despite graduating three of four starting defenders. Will try to control the ball more and build a more cohesive attack. Berdick, a three-year starter, who missed last season with a knee injury, returns. Regan regards Oliver as a ``seasoned'' keeper.
INDIAN RIVER Coach: Kinyatta Brown and Maria Octavo
1995 record: 6-5-1 overall, 4-3 district
Key performers: Tiffany Swiney (Sr. GK); Elizabeth Morgan (Sr. D); Deirdre O'Connor (Sr. FB); Cindy Dominesey (Sr. FB); Cecille Marcelo (Jr. FB); Christina Johnson (Sr. HB); Lara Gwaltney (Sr. F); Heather Ayres (Sr. F).
Outlook: Swiney, who ended the season last year with more than 200 saves, is regarded as one of the best in the area. Team looks to be stronger this year. Swiney and Johnson were both all-district.
OSCAR SMITH
Coach: Jack Kraemer
1995 record: 8-5-2 overall, 3-2-1 district
Key performers: Katie Kraemer (So. HB); Katie Rose (Sr. HB); Tabitha Nothwager (Jr. F); Jamie Burke (So. GK); Emmily Smithwick (Sr. F); Wendy Golt (So. FB)
Outlook: Team returns nine starters and should compete for third behind Great Bridge and Western Branch.
WILSON
Coach: Dan Lewandowski
1995 record: 0-13-1
Key performers: Natalie Barnes (Sr. HB); Mindy Cathell (Sr. D); Jennifer Lawrence (Sr. F); Frances Genera (Sr. F); Ebony Oliver (Sr. GK).
Outlook: Senior base should help Presidents to be more competitive this year.
WESTERN BRANCH
Coach: Howard Mizell
1995 record: 14-3-1
Key performers: Mimi Knopp (Sr. F); Katie MacPhail (Sr. GK); Beth Copperthite (Sr. HB); Ciara Lascano (Sr. F); Beth Johnson (So. FB); Katharine Dalton (So. FB); Jacquie Anderson (So. HB); Anne Moriarty (Jr. HB); Emily Thomas (So. HB/FB).
Outlook: Should contend for district along with Great Bridge thanks to a good mix of veterans and newcomers. by CNB