This story is sponsored by Forward Financial Bank
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – After a year of growing pains with a young squad, the Marshfield girls soccer program hopes to benefit this season as it gears up for the 2016 campaign with 14 returning varsity players.
Marshfield opens its season April 1 at home with a nonconference game against Pulaski before hitting the road for games at Chippewa Falls on April 5, at Tomah on April 7, and a two-day tournament at Urbana, Ill., on April 8-9.
The Tigers look to be strong offensively as they return four of their top goal scorers in seniors Olivia Haessly and Julia Urban, junior Maddie Haessly, and sophomore Kendra Tremelling. Urban was a first-team all-Wisconsin Valley Conference performer last year after totaling three goals and four assists for Marshfield.
Maddie Haessly had nine goals and Olivia Haessly seven for the Tigers a year ago to lead the team.
Junior midfielders Elizabeth Holbrook and Maureen Cassidy also return, giving the Tigers what could be a potent offense.
“In past years it’s been our defense, but I think our offense is going to be our strength,” Marshfield coach Steve Lindner said. “This year we have a strong front. Our mids (Holbrook and Cassidy) have been playing since their freshman year. They’ve playing together on the outside for their third year, along with Julia, which gives a strong nucleus up front.”
Defensively, the Tigers should also be a force to be reckoned with.
Second-team all-conference defender Emily Critelli, honorable mention choice Patty Jo Bloczynski, and senior McKayla Scheuer return to spearhead Marshfield’s defense that gave up 2.6 goals per game in WVC action last season.
Also back is goalkeeper Andrea Carolfi, who made 107 saves and gave up 2.64 goals per game last year. She had seven shutouts to give her a program-record 10 in her career.
“We’ve got three strong players that played a lot last year,” Lindner said. “We are real strong back there. McKayla brings a work ethic that’s like no other and she’s just a fantastic athlete. We have to find that fourth, fifth and sixth defender to step in and round out the rotation.”
With all the returning experience, the Tigers have big expectations on not only improving on last year’s 7-14-1 record and their fifth-place finish (4-8) in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, but on postseason success as well. Marshfield hosts the WIAA Division 2 sectional final on June 11 and wants to be playing in it.
“The expectations I have are to compete with Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids for second place in the Valley,” Lindner said. “(Defending conference and WIAA Division 1 state champion) D.C. Everest is going to be a powerhouse again. We have a strong nucleus that can compete with Point and Rapids, and Wausau West. We have the potential to be right up there with those teams for second, third, fourth, in the Valley.”
2016 Marshfield Tigers Girls Soccer
Last year’s record: 7-14-1, 4-8 Wisconsin Valley Conference.
WIAA playoffs: Lost WIAA Division 2 regional semifinal, 2-0 to Ashwaubenon in double overtime.
Returning players: Defenders – McKayla Scheuer, sr.; Emily Critelli, jr.; Francesca Tyler, sr.; Makenna Hart, so.; Patty Jo Bloczynski, sr. Forwards – Maddie Haessly, jr.; Kendra Tremelling, so.; Ciera Newfeld, jr.; Alexis Langteau, sr. Midfielders – Olivia Haessly, sr.; Maureen Cassidy, jr.; Elizabeth Holbrook, jr.; Julia Urban, sr. Goalkeeper – Andrea Carolfi, jr.
Newcomers: Nicole Simon, Gracia Sandok, Megan Wipfli, Mckensey Koran, Kate Herron, McKinsey Vrana, Melina Barker, Mikayla Brown.