Sumner Girls Soccer: Coach confident void left by graduate can be filled
Published 4:09 pm Monday, August 31, 2009
By John Leggett | The Courier-Herald
When Sumner High striker Amber Fenton graduated and moved on to Portland State University, it left a sizable void to fill in the Spartan booters’ 2009 offensive scheme.
But coach Robi Turley is confident the chasm left by Fenton’s departure can be filled capably by senior forward Kaylee Holloway, who Turley said reported to the first day of practice in top shape and ready to roll.
“Kaylee worked extremely hard during the offseason, because she knew that she was going to be our designated playmaker,” Turley said.”Kaylee is going to assume that attacking role and sort of be our go-to player this time around.”
That news will probably not be well-received by the rest of the league and neither will the fact that even though the Spartans graduated seven seniors, the Spartans will boast no less than nine seniors returning to the pitch this fall.
Turley, whose team claimed last year’s league crown with a 14-0-1 record, emphasizes that one player does not make a team.
Perhaps the most important piece to the Spartan puzzle will be senior netminder Jordan Swarthout, who along with her stingy supporting cast last season, registered nine shutouts.
“I hate to admit this, but I was somewhat surprised by our success last season,” Turley said, “but this year I am more confident than ever, that these girls will come out and fiercely defend their league title.
The Spartans’ seniors aren’t the only ones showing fire and leadership. Junior midfielder Kelsey Hansen is a whirling dervish defensively on the field. Turley also praises a freshman Sarah Carter as one of the best defenders she has seen come down the pipe in a long time.
Sumner’s first league encounter will not come until Sept. 29 when the Spartans host Auburn Mountainview. Before their league lidlifter, Sumner will be engaging in nonleague games against North Thurston, Puyallup, Timberline, Lakes, Bellarmine, Yelm and Stadium.
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