Along with battling Heritage High School last Thursday, the Lady Govs soccer team had to overcome cold weather and a little snow.
For Nelson coach Jenna Churchma, her troops took care of all three challenges, defeating Heritage, 5-2, in a scrimmage. The Lt. Lady Govs also won its scrimmage, 3-1.
The Nelson squad is out to better last year’s season record of 10-4.
Churchman is loaded with returning players but a few new faces grabbed her attention.
“Based on the scrimmage last week, I am very excited about this season. We have some new players that are bringing a new dynamic to the team,” said Churchman. “Summer Scruggs is adding a lot of speed up top which will allow us to utilize more through-ball situations. Marina Garcia is an exchange student from Spain who has great vision of the field and can distribute the ball well so I have a lot of options for players in the center mid. I think that we will be able to play a few different formations to play off the strengths of different players. I anticipate it being difficult for teams to try and mark us as we have so many players who can score.”
Churchman breaks down her returning players with comments on each.
Kate Strong: “Kate is a sophomore this year. She will continue to be a presence this year in the midfield. She has a beautiful long shot and will bring physicality to the center of the field. She also showed yesterday that her corner kicks will be a huge asset for us.”
Grace Clair: “She returns for her senior year and will continue to be the leader of the team. The team has already voted her captain again this year and she will anchor the defense as well as teach the rest of the defense how to run the back line. Her strength, ball control, and poise are a huge asset to the team.”
Mackenzie Ladd: “I am so glad that Mackenzie is back at Nelson this year! She is a spark on the field that I can put anywhere. Mackenzie has a knowledge of the game that is unmatched by her peers and is a standout player at any position.”
Rosie Gumm: “Rosie continues to be the person the team looks up to for motivation. She gives 100 percent at every practice and game and she motivates her teammates to do the same. Rosie is a great leader on this team without getting the credit she deserves. It is great for a coach to have a player like Rosie that I can put in any position and know she will play it well.”
Alyssea Orme: “She will return on the back line. Alyssea brings a determination to the field that inspires her teammates.”
Kaylia Noble: “Kaylia’s speed will be a threat on the outside of the field.”
Sabina Gentry: “Sabina will provide stability in the midfield when she is in there.”
Kaya Winsheimer: “Kaya’s happy attitude is infectious. She brings up the morale of the team and is an asset for the team as an outside mid-fielder.”
Taylor Madison: “Taylor brings her bubbly attitude back that has the ability to bond the members of the team.”
Lauren Canody: “Lauren is trying her hat as one of our keepers this year. She is working hard to learn a brand new position.”
Quajaiha Wallace: “Qua returns this year to continue to add her speed to the outside of the field.”
