By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Logan-Rogersville girls’ soccer team had a historic season in 2019.
With what they have coming back, 2020 could be even better.
Logan-Rogersville returns most of its lineup from a team that won 17 games and a district championship. With more experience on defense and new talent coming in, the Lady Wildcats have the makings of a Class 2 contender.
“We should have good depth,” said coach Brett Wubbena. “We should also be able to score from several positions. Our defense should be stronger this year as well with more experience in the back.”
The Lady Wildcats return one of the area’s top players in senior forward Sophia Nixon. She was among the state leaders in goals (56) a year ago while adding seven assists.
Nixon enters her senior season already holding the program record for career goals with 114.
“She’s an outstanding player,” Wubbena said. “She’s one of the hardest workers that I have ever coached. Always wants to win and never wants to come off the field.”
Senior midfielder Lexie Vernon orchestrates the Logan-Rogersville attack. She recorded 18 goals and a team-high 22 assists as a junior.
“She can take over a game and be our go-to girl,” Wubbena said.
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Vernon’s 10 assists away from setting the program’s career record for the category.
Logan-Rogersville also returns Madison Hays (five assists), Shelby Ince (four goals, six assists) and Courtney Fore (three goals, three assists) in midfield or forward roles.
“Madison is a playmaker and very unselfish,” Wubbena said. “Shelby reads the field well and has a great shot.”
Jessy Bond returns at goalkeeper. She recorded 133 saves and stopped 67 percent of penalty kicks faced last season.
“She’s an outstanding keeper who reads the ball well,” Wubbena said.
Experience has helped Logan-Rogersville improve the support around Bond.
Bri Bieller controls the midfield from her defensive center-mid position.
In the back, Logan-Rogersville returns Margaret Caldwell and center backs Laiken Leonarduzzi and Kaitlyn Standefer.
“Laiken has a ton of speed and reads the ball well,” Wubbena said. “Kaitlyn had a really good freshman season and we’re hoping for more from her this year. She’s an outstanding competitor.
“Overall, our defense won’t be a weakness. The experience in the back makes our backline tough to get past.”
The Lady Wildcats finished 17-7-1 overall last season, marking the most single-season wins and highest winning percentage in program history.
Logan-Rogersville won a district championship, its third since 2011, with victories over Aurora and Cassville. The Lady Wildcats fell 4-1 to St. Clair in the Class 2 sectional round.
Logan-Rogersville graduated just three varsity players from that team.
Taylor Overstreet recorded 14 assists and is now a two-sport athlete (soccer, basketball) at Evangel University in Springfield. Grace Fielden provided great versatility and defense, Wubbena said.
The Lady Wildcats will also miss the leadership of Lauren Bleau, who didn’t play last season due to a knee injury.
Newcomers to watch include Nicki (midfield/forward) and Kita Wood (midfield). The freshmen twins should make an immediate impact.
“Nicki can put the ball in from anywhere and has a great strike,” Wubbena said. “Kita can see the field and is an outstanding passer.”
Logan-Rogersville averaged 3.7 goals per match last season, which set another program record.
This year, its attack could be more dynamic.
“Last year it was hard to stop (Sophia) Nixon,” Wubbena said. “This year she has been given some help by the addition of players that can receive and distribute.”
Logan-Rogersville begins the regular season March 24 at Willard.
