Despite losing many seniors after graduation last year, the Lady Rams’ varsity soccer team has a strong, experienced returning core to help lead the team to a successful season.

With the loss of eight graduates from last season’s team, one would assume that the Lady Rams are in bad shape. Two of the most notable losses include class of 2007 graduate Mel Turner, who led the team with 10 points, including four goals and six assists, as well as starting defender Anna Schmidt.

Graduates Megan Johnsey and Katrina Matthews both started all 11 games last season, and Matthews was tied for second on the team with four goals. The team also lost two psychological leaders in graduates Meghan Moritz and Tamar Sivaslian, who encouraged the Lady Rams throughout last season. Although many players were lost, this year’s team still has 11 returning players including some key starters.

The 11 returning players include seven seniors, two juniors and two sophomores. Out of those 11 players, seniors Mary Gorman, Katey Webber and Caitlin Smith all started ten out of 11 games last season and are the likely season starters on defense.

Gorman said, “We have the potential to be really good this year, we really do have a team that could compete for a championship.” Along with Gorman, Webber and Smith, senior Emily Owen and junior Michelle Carter are returning starters at the forward position. Both Owen and Carter were tied for second on the team last year with six points each.

Owen’s points included four goals and two assists and Carter was the leading goal scorer, with all of her six points coming from goals and no assists. Owen said, “I cannot wait to start the season. It is my senior year and I am ready for games to start.”

The Lady Rams opened up their season with an unfortunate loss at Joseph B. Good Stadium against the Walt Whitman Lady Vikings. However, all the girls are still confident that they have plenty of time to turn the season around.