2017 Girls Soccer Preview: Camdenton

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By Denise Tucker/For OzarksSportsZone.com

The Camdenton Lady Lakers may have ended the 2016 season with a disappointing first-round district loss, but that only served as motivation for coach Chris Byington and his team heading into 2017.

The Lady Lakers had a winning season, going 13-9-2 overall, but came up short with a 3-0 loss to Harrisonville in the first round of the Class 3 District 13 tournament.

“Overall, the team played well throughout the entire season, as we improved each game,” Byington said. “Although we are never satisfied with ending the season with a loss, there is a lot to gain from last season leading into the 2017 season.”

Among the losses to graduation was Hanna Lowther, who was a First Team All-Ozark Conference and all-district selection. “She was a great leader on the team,” Byington said.

“The 2016 seniors were classy players who all wanted the best for the team. They all will be greatly missed.”

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But the Lady Lakers return the bulk of their roster, including a large senior class led by Natalie Schulte. She scored 29 goals last season on her way to becoming a first-team all-conference selection.

“We are excited about the core group as we have learned lessons throughout the past few years,” Byington said. “The 2017 senior class is a big class of players that has been involved with Camdenton soccer for quite some time. They all have certain qualities that they bring to the team and each will need to step up to lead the team to victories. They are fired up for this upcoming season.”

Other key returnees include seniors Mary Amerine, a second-team All-OC and all-district selection, and Ireland Betta, a second-team All-OC pick.

Byington welcomes a strong freshman class, as well.

“A lot of the girls play club ball, which will help the transition into high school.”

But Byington will be relying on his senior class to lead the way, complemented by the newcomers.

“Our team’s biggest strength is having a strong senior class as well as players knowing what is at stake this year,” Byington said. “With the incoming freshmen to help, the team is looking like we have a lot of experience and we know what it will take to reach our goals and beat solid teams.”

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And it looks as though they have the talent, as well, Byington says.

“We have a lot of tough girls who just want to play,” Byington said. “They are fired up and ready to tackle the season and give it their all. Overall, we have talent and we are ready to put it all together.

“Last year, we beat Glendale for the first time in the program’s history. Glendale is a classy and solid team and beating them last year was a proud moment for the girls. We hope that we can continue to put a stamp on the program and win conference and districts.”

The Lady Lakers open the season March 17 against Bolivar, a Class 2 quarterfinalist last season. Bolivar is moving up to Class 3 in 2017.

This year and next, Camdenton is in Class 3 District 13 along with Helias Catholic, Marshall and Warrensburg.

Byington knows the road to success won’t be an easy one, but feels his team is in a position to make a run.

“Last year, we placed third in our conference overall,” Byington said. “Our conference is extremely tough with solid teams across the board (Kickapoo, Glendale, Rolla, etc.), but we would love to finish higher in the table.

“It will be extremely rewarding if we can reach the top. It will say a lot about the senior class and how they will lead the team this year. We are stoked to get started, but we know that it will be difficult, yet achievable. Between the freshmen and the returning varsity players, we will have a solid opportunity to put a stamp in the history books of Camdenton soccer.”

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