The Enumclaw High girls soccer team has a strong foundation to build on.

As the Hornet girls get ready for the rigors of a new season, memories linger of the 2008 club that advanced to the Class 3A Sweet 16 – making an appearance in the state tournament, something never before done at EHS. A tough 1-0 loss to Seattle Prep, with the game’s only goal coming in the 71st minute, was disappointing at the time, but couldn’t put a damper on the team’s successful run.

Now, second-year coach Shawn Tobius and his group are back for more.

And they’ve got revenge on their minds.

The Hornets open the season Sept. 8 against Seattle Prep, a nonleague tussle slated for the Starfire complex in Tukwila. The only thing riding on the outcome is pride and Tobius knows his crew would love to pick up a win.

From his standpoint, the game will be beneficial, no matter the outcome.

“They’ve been to state for years on end,” Tobius said of the private school crew, explaining that his troops will only get better by playing the best.

Looking at this year’s roster, Tobius knows there’s talent throughout the lineup and he’s counting on a year of maturity to pay dividends.”We have plenty of speed, but I hope we’ll do more with our possessions and play smarter,” he said, noting that last year’s squad sometimes rushed needlessly.

The team is anchored by a trio of all-South Puget Sound League 3A performers: goalkeeper Caitlin Plese, midfielder Noelle Bauer and defender/midfielder Alicia Tomaso. Joining them on the varsity roster are defenders Julie Curtin, Madisen Warnstadt, Shelby Gustafson and Katie LaBorde; midfielders Dani Strueli, Kaycie Morrison, Marisa Toussaint, Paige Walsh and Kayla Bunderson; forwards Kelsey Howerton, Claire Meeks, Erin McCrillis and Kaitlin Trowbridge. Midfielder Kelly Plese is coming off a knee injury and has seen limited action during early-season drills.

To comment on this story view it online at www.courierherald.com. Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.