Ligonier Valley girls soccer kicks off new era as ‘underdogs’

By: Mike Kovak
Friday, August 23, 2019 | 8:34 PM

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With only two starters and two other letterwinners back from last season, the Ligonier Valley girls soccer team could have cause for concern.

Instead, the Rams are invigorated and eager to begin what longtime coach Eric Vogelsang calls “a new era.”

Nine first-year starters and a sizable group of incoming players have brought an energy to practice that has provided optimism for the upcoming season, which kicks off Sept. 3 at Northern Cambria in a Heritage Conference game.

“Last year, we were very senior-heavy. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong went wrong,” said Vogelsang, who is in his 18th season as coach. “It was one of the more frustrating seasons of my career, but there’s a renewed sense of enthusiasm this year.”

That senior-heavy team, which included the program’s all-time leading scorer in Mia Lynn, finished 6-9-1.

“We had 10 seniors who were really great girls, and I truly enjoyed coaching them,” Vogelsang said. “As a unit, though, it just didn’t work out. It’s time for a fresh start.”

Seniors Olivia Anto, a forward/midfielder who scored seven goals and had four assists last season, and defender Hannah Long, who will be a four-year starter, are providing a foundation for the new-look Rams.

They are tasked with leading Ligonier Valley’s on-field product.

“Up front, there’s a lot of speed. I have three great players in front of me, and my job will be coordinating the offense,” Anto said. “It’s similar to being a quarterback, directing the offense.”

Long will run the defense.

“So far, our midfielders have looked great, which will make our jobs easier,” she said.

Vogelsang said forward Tatum Hoffman and defender Carol Woods, both juniors, are returning letterwinners who lead the off-field product.

“Those two are workout warriors, good vocal leaders,” Vogelsang said. “They’re almost the base of my new era. It’s a bright day for us.”

Seniors Katie Lawson, who scored four goals in three games last season, and Lindsay Kenyon are expected to make an impact.

The key for Ligonier Valley will be blending the new starters and players into a cohesive unit.

“The big thing, especially for the freshmen and everybody who hasn’t had much varsity time on the field, is making the adjustment to the speed of the game,” Long said. “That’s going to be a big adjustment for us as a team.”

Because the Heritage Conference only has three girls soccer teams — Ligonier Valley, Northern Cambria and United — the Rams fill their schedule with games against Somerset County teams from the WestPAC and an occasional WPIAL opponent.

Ligonier Valley plays home-and-away series with Berlin, Conemaugh Township, North Star, Rockwood and Windber of the WestPAC. The Rams also have games against WPIAL opponents Derry, Geibel and Beth-Center.

“Basically, we’re an honorary member of the WestPAC, and, year-in and year-out, those games against Somerset County teams make or break our season,” Vogelsang said.

This season, the Rams think some opponents will be overlooking them, and that’s what they want.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for us to surprise people,” Anto said. “We lost so many starters, but we have a lot of heart and a lot of work ethic. We can win some games people don’t expect us to win. We’re underdogs, and everyone likes to root for the underdog.”

Tags: Ligonier Valley