Led by underclassmen, Latrobe girls soccer looks to grow together

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 23, 2018 | 7:33 PM

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With no seniors on its roster, Latrobe’s girls soccer team is in a unique situation — the Wildcats have two years to play together as a group.

“That gives us a lot of time to get used to each other. No one is really singled out, either, because we’re all close in age,” junior Madison Shafron said. “Things have been working out for us well. We have a pretty strong starting team.”

A majority of the team will be together three years since Lillian Jones, Sophia Hoch and Shafron are the only juniors.

“With no seniors and only three juniors, it might seem as if we have a lack of leadership. However, that is not true as my teammates and I had to step up and guide the team in the right direction,” Hoch said. “There is less of an age gap between the upperclassmen and lowerclassmen, which seems to allow a closer bond between us all. So, I’d say things are looking positive, in terms of team dynamics.

“It’s very nice knowing that, since we are a young team this year, we can gain experience together and hopefully apply that to next year’s season for an even better outcome than we’re already working towards for this year.”

At forward, sophomore Jamie Hough and freshman Claire Girard will see time, along with Hoch, who could be in the midfield, as well. Sophomore Maddie Delucio, who earned all-section honors last year, leads the midfield. Morgan Reilly, Hannah Klimek and Lauren Davis could see time there, as well.

Sophomore Hannah Zimmerman and Shafron return as center backs on defense, while Martina Ciafre and other players will be on the outside. Jones is in goal.

“We’re a really young team, and we’re still trying to work with each other and figure things out,” Shafron said. “Defensively, we might be able to hold teams off a little better this season.”

The Wildcats finished 1-14 last year, but feel confident there has been improvement.

“I believe that every returning player has improved greatly, not only in skill level thanks to our coach, but in the ability to take initiative and help to lead the team because of the lack of older girls,” Hoch said.

Latrobe hopes to keep building in a positive direction once games start.

“Their heart and work ethic has been really nice to see throughout the summer and during practice. We’ve been pushing them pretty hard. They are showing up with smiles on their faces, ready to go. They are really looking to play well with each other. As long as we continue to do that, I think we’re setting ourselves up to be in a pretty good spot,” Latrobe coach Jamie Morrison said.

“It’s definitely an exciting time. It’s a fantastic group of girls. Experience is the one thing we are lacking, but, as the season progresses, the hearts and work ethic these girls have shown will start to bring success.”

The Wildcats went 0-10 in WPIAL Section 4-4A. They moved to Section 3 this year and hope to make some headway.

“Ideally, our goal is to get into one of those playoff spots,” Morrison said. “Being able to hold onto this good core over the next two years is something that’s really exciting to look forward to, as well.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Latrobe