2017 Girls Soccer Preview: Branson

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After a record-setting campaign in 2016, the Branson Pirates are looking to continue growing as a program.

Branson finished 13-11 last season, its best mark in program history. The Pirates also won the Fair Grove Shootout and took second in two other tournaments before falling to Willard in district play.

Head coach Brandon Scott feels Branson is just getting started.

“We are continuing to build each year, and expect bigger and better things each day,” Scott said. “We have had some challenges of being a new program over the years, but are starting to find ourselves and grow as a program here in Branson.”

This year’s Branson squad will be without the services of graduated senior Brooklynn Stoner, now playing soccer at Williams Baptist in Arkansas.

“[Brooklynn] was an outside midfielder who a ton of leadership qualities that will be greatly missed,” Scott said. “As well as her vision and ability to finish inside the 18.”

With only one starter lost, the Pirates return a solid lineup with a bevy of varsity experience and accounting for 89% of the team’s scoring from 2016.

That experience will be led by junior McKenzie Duncan, who has started every game for Branson since her freshman year. Duncan is already the school’s second-leading goal scorer with 30 goals and 19 assists.

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Junior goalkeeper Lauren Garrison also returns to help lead the Pirates. An All-District, All-Conference and All-Region selection, Garrison has notched over 300 saves in just two seasons of play.

Seniors Sara McDowell and Maggie Lemley, along with juniors Cierra Groover, Grace Bartel, Alexis Ramirez, Sam Pichardo, Isabel Holloway and Giselle Reyes round out the Branson returnees.

“Our strength is going to be the returning of our starting defense and goalie who only gave up 32 goals last season,” Scott said. “A great group who works together very well and we also have some depth at that position this year to help save on legs and wear and tear as the season goes along.”

After notching the first winning season in program history, Scott hopes his savvy roster can capture another program first this season with a victory in the district tournament.

It all starts with the creation of a winning mentality.

“We will face challenges through the season like every other team,” Scott said. “But we have tried to build a culture here at Branson that encompasses the positive energy and fun times while playing soccer, so we are able to lean on each other for a pick-me-up when we are having a rough time.”

Branson heads to Hillcrest March 10 for jamboree play, then opens the season March 17 in the Fair Grove Tournament.

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