There will be a several new faces on this year’s University girls soccer team.
The Trailblazers graduated their top three goal scorers from last season, a season which University finished 13-4-2 and won a sectional championship. But the ‘Blazers are optimistic that this season will turn out to be another strong one.
“While we lost an experienced core of seniors, this season’s University High School girls soccer team looks to continue to be competitive,” said UHS coach Rory Priest. “We have a great mixture of younger and older players.”
The core of the Trailblazers’ lineup will be three seniors: Lilly Fair, Annie Klemsz and Tessa Hudson, who is the leading returning scorer from last season with 12 goals. Fair was University’s goalkeeper, making 112 saves and allowing only nine goals to the Trailblazers’ opponents.
“It is a bit of a rebuilding year but seniors Lilly Fair, Annie Klemsz, and Tessa Hudson have played all four seasons and will provide a solid base on which to build,” said Priest. “In addition, newcomers Whitney Freeman and Meggie Tanona will be a big help.”
Freeman and Tanona are both seniors. In addition, sophomore Sydney Epstein (four goals) and junior Brooke Toombs (three) were multiple goal scorers last season.
University will host Eastern on Tuesday to begin its season.
“We are looking to have a competitive season, while also exhibiting model sportsmanship and achieving success in academics,” said Priest.
VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Lilly Fair, Whitney Freeman, Tessa Hudson, Robin Karwath, Annie Klemsz, Maddi Sears, Meggie Tanona.
Juniors: Grace Brenner, Serra Hinds, Brooke Toombs, Sydney Williams, Rachel Zeh.
Sophomores: Abla Abumahfouz, Leanne Alsatie, Audrey Blocksom, Sydney Epstein, Abigail Hannon, Eileen Henriquez, Ella Longoria, Olivia Morrison, Ria Narayaman, Yuchen Weng.
Freshmen: Jaclyn Copeland, Sofia Pope, Audrey Priest, Payton Seay.