Independence has potential

Independence returns nine starters from the squad that finished 3-10-4 last fall, but there is no guarantee those veterans will retain their positions.

The Blue Devils have a host of other talented players ready to compete for playing time and to provide depth in the 2017 season.

“There are some nice seniors and the underclassmen should continue to get better throughout the year,” said 12th year coach Bryan Less. “If they work hard, they could double their wins or more from last year.”

Three seniors are among the nine returning starters.

Defensive center-midfielder Jasmine Harb scored one goal from her center defensive position last fall and Emily Reed and Christina Brunsman return on the defensive end.

“(Harb) is very fast and aggressive. She will improve in her distribution throughout the year as she gets more comfortable in this position,” Less said. “(Reed) is one of the best passers on the team. She has learned to become more aggressive and uses her high soccer IQ to contain faster forwards. (Brunsman) is the fastest player on the team. This is only her third year of soccer, but she uses her athleticism to make up for a lack of experience. She is also willing to win balls in the air.”

Sophomores Molly Dougherty and Reni Kaiser also return in the starting lineup.

Dougherty scored four goals from her center-mid position.

“She has gotten much more comfortable in her role,” Less said. “She worked very hard in the offseason to come into the season in shape and is making some beautiful combinations with the freshmen.”

Kaiser had two assists as an outside midfielder as a freshman but will protect the net in her sophomore season.

“She uses her incredible athleticism to make up for a lack of height,” Less said. “She is fearless and has already made some high level saves. I am waiting for her to become more vocal and she could become a very good goalkeeper.”

Senior Martha Clymer and sophomore Marisa Silvestro, who scored two goals and recorded a pair of assists in 2016, also have varsity experience under their belts.

“(Clymer) has only played soccer four years, but has learned and improved so much. She is very tough and her leadership has grown,” Less said. “(Silvestro) worked very hard in the offseason to increase her speed and fitness. She looks like a soccer player now, has learned some 1-versus-1 moves, and should do some nice things on the field.”

Less expects several freshmen, all club players, to see action this season.

Ricella DiGeronimo has the potential to be a game-changer as a forward.

“She has a cannon shot and has some nice ball control,” Less said. “She and Molly are playing some entertaining soccer together.”

Paige Westerburg also will play forward.

“She is very confident with the ball and has quality 1-versus-1 moves,” Less said. “I look for her to work with Molly and Ricella for a lot of our offensive fire power this year. She also has a very strong shot for someone so young.”

Rachel Belitz will play on the defense and Makenna McGhee is slotted as an outside midfielder.

“(Belitz) wants to be a forward, but defense fits her skill set perfectly. She could be an all-conference defender this season if she puts her mind to it as she is fearless and confident,” Less said. “(McGhee) has already increased her physicality. She has excellent control of the ball and soccer knowledge ahead of her years. When her speed and strength catch up she will be a heck of a player.”

Less scheduled several quality preseason opponents to put his players to the test early.

“I see a lot of growth coming for this team,” he said. “The goals are for each player to increase their soccer technique, the team to meet their potential, and to have fun. I also want to see us score on two corners, have 20 assists, and have a positive goal differential.”

Independence opens the season at Oberlin on Monday, Aug. 21.