Gateway girls aim to improve in 2nd season under Bender

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, August 27, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Coaches expect to have their ups and downs when they are in their first year leading a program. That's what Kelly Bender had last year as the coach of the Gateway girls soccer team.

Under Bender, Gateway finished the season in fourth place in Section 1-AAA with an 11-9 record. The Gators also made the playoffs for the first time in three years, winning their preliminary-round game against Laurel Highlands, 2-0, before losing to Moon in the first round 6-0.

“We definitely wiped that away,” Bender said about last year's ending. “We set goals and one of them was to make playoffs again this year, and we are looking to achieve that.”

Entering her second season, Bender and the players have become more familiar with each other, which has raised the expectations for what she expects out of each and every one of them.

“They are getting used to my philosophy and system of play,” Bender said. “I have a lot of support from the girls. I am looking forward to working with them heading into the season.”

For offense, Gateway is going to look for juniors Sarah Corrie and Olivia Wood and sophomore Becca Kubler to provide the spark. Corrie and Wood are two of the upperclassmen who bought into Bender's philosophy. Kubler started all of last season as a freshman, benefitting from being with Bender from the start.

“With all of my underclassmen, they knew exactly what I expected,” Bender said. “They have been able to come under my wing.

“My upperclassmen who were here before me have accepted the philosophy and have bought into what we are doing and exceeding expectations. I am looking forward to seeing what they do for us.”

One key piece the Gators will be missing this year is senior Courtney Seneca. Seneca was an All-WPIAL defender last season but tore her ACL in the playoff win against Laurel Highlands, ending her high school career.

Just like it did last season, Gateway will begin its season against rival Plum on Saturday, at home, only this time they are looking for a different result. The Mustangs shutout the Gators last year 2-0.

“Plum is always a big rival because we are so close to one another,” Bender said. “We are looking forward to it. We want to start our season off right with a competitive team. It will be a good test for us to see where we stand.”

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Gateway