By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Regardless of their record coming off the 2019 season, the loss of the 2020 campaign because of the COVID-19 pandemic was still hard on the veterans of the Waynesville Lady Tigers soccer program.
“The biggest issue with the cancellation of the 2020 season was the disappointment of the seniors,” Waynesville head coach John Box said. “While a district title might or might not have been in the cards for Waynesville, the athletes who have been a part of the program for the previous three years did not get to enjoy the thrill of being a senior and hitting the pitch for a fun-filled last year. For those athletes who are playing this year, the return to the field is a fantastic feeling.”
Gone from the Class of 2020 are: Angelica Ramos, a midfielder, who is playing at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo.; Robyn Ladd, a defender, playing at Regent University in Virginia Beach; and defender Nashanti Sigler.
The Lady Tigers, who finished 8-15 overall and 3-5-1 in the Ozark Conference in 2019, have some talented players returning for the 2021 season in Vanessa Blake and Mary Henry.
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• Vanessa Blake, senior, goalkeeper – First-team All-OC selection in 2019. “Vanessa brings an intensity to the goal that is necessary to inspire others,” Box said.
• Mary Henry, junior, midfielder – Second-team All-OC pick in 2019. “Mary brings energy and focus to the midfield. She is a true leader.”
Box, who has a career record of 179-64-7, looks for newcomer Allison Secrest to make an impact for the Lady Tigers in 2021.
• Allison Secrest, sophomore – “(Allison has) tremendous potential, but because of the COVID shutdown, she has not realized her full potential,” Box said.
Waynesville will host a jamboree with Rolla and Dixon on March 11 before facing Battle and Columbia Hickman as part of a doubleheader on March 20.
“The ability to play is everything right now for these kids,” Box said. “They have missed an entire year of social interaction, and the return to some form of normalcy is essential.”
