Lady Seahawks fit, focused and ready to play

Coach Bunting (Sept. 4, 2009) The 2009 Stephen Decatur girls' soccer team is deep with talent, focused and all 19 players came into preseason on Aug. 15 fit and ready to compete, according to third-year Coach Misty Bunting.

"They took what I said at our spring meeting, that we needed to come into preseason in shape and start off strong, to heart. We were able to get right down to soccer," she said. "We open with two tough games against Queen Anne's and Parkside, so we knew there was no time to waste and they had to come in ready to go. They're working hard at practice every day and day by day they're getting better."

The squad is strongest in the midfield where a core group of veterans return, including seniors Taylor Blazer (2008 First Team All-Conference) and Lauren Cosgriff (Honorable Mention) in the center. Senior Bradley Janson (All- Conference Second Team) also returns in the midfield and at forward and Haley Socha is back on defense.

"I think we're looking strong," said Cosgriff, a three-year member of the squad. "I think we came in knowing we were going to have to work harder this year and we all came in with good attitudes."

Stephen Decatur girls' soccer team captains, from left, seniors Haley Socha, Taylor Blazer, Bradley Janson and Lauren Cosgriff, play one-one-one during practice last Friday. "We really want to come out and have a winning season and do better than last year," said Blazer, a varsity player since her freshman year. "I think it's going to be a good season."

Another position where the team is solid is in the goal. Junior Leigh Anne Flounlacker (2008 First Team All- Conference) is starting in the net for the third consecutive season.

Newcomers who will play key roles in the team's success are junior defender Daniella Celia, a transfer from Worcester Prep, and freshmen forwards Alycia Skarzinski and Tori Whigham.

Bunting said the new players will help the squad with their speed, knowledge of the game and good decision making on the field.

Seven graduated from the 2008 team, a majority of whom played defense, and Bunting said there are some big shoes to fill but the girls on this year's squad have stepped up to the challenge.

Blazer, Cosgriff, Janson and Socha are the team captains, but the other four seniors, Lexi Nathan (defense), Cate Cropper (forward), Devon Harman (midfield) and Bethany Howe (midfield/ forward) also have leadership roles.

"This is a really good, strong group of seniors," Bunting said. "I'm so impressed by all of them."

Decatur kicks off its season at home at 5:15 p.m. against Queen Anne's on Sept. 9. Bunting said the plan is to take one game at a time this year and not look past any opponent. She hopes the squad will improve after each contest and by the end of the season be able to go further in the playoffs then last year.

The Seahawks finished 11-3-1 in 2008. The team lost in a shootout in the 3A East Regional semifinals. Competing in the Bayside Conference championship is also a goal the girls are trying to reach.

GIRLS' SOCCER SCHEDULE:

Sept. 9: Queen Annes County, 5:15
p.m. (H)
Sept. 14: Parkside, 5:15 p.m. (H)
Sept. 16: Snow Hill, 5:15 p.m. (A)
Sept. 21: Wicomico, 4 p.m. (A)
Sept. 25: Snow Hill, 5:15 p.m. (H)
Sept. 28: Mardela, 5:15 p.m. (H)
Oct. 5: J. M. Bennett Senior, 4 p.m. (A)
Oct. 7: Parkside, 4 p.m. (A)
Oct. 12: Wicomico, 4 p.m. (H)
Oct. 14: J. M. Bennett Senior, 5:15 p.m. (H)
Oct. 21: Kent Island, 5:30 p.m. (A)
Oct. 26: Bayside Championship, TBD (A)