With eight returning players and eight new members, the Oxford varsity soccer team is working hard to become one fighting unit.
“I need to get them to gel as a team,” explained coach Val Cerato. “We have about six different club team’s represented – each with their own techniques and training – and we have to get them to play Oxford soccer.”
The team is comprised of senior Angela Hendley; juniors Cortney Vassall, Lauren Hicks, Samantha Marshall, Holly Marshall, Andrea Ricketts, Caitlin Griswold and Nicole Carter; sophomores Christine Fortier, Deann Kujawa, Kehly Hicks, Jolene Patterson and Nicole Bennett; and freshmen Katie Miner, Lisa Block and Lisa Reile.
Last year the team went 11-10-0 overall and 10-4-0 in the Flint Metro League. Cerato said this year the teams goals are to understand the game better, work together as one unit and have fun.
The team’s strengths are the individual members’ commitment and perseverance.
“It seems like their personalities are meshing well,” added Cerato. “That will be a great asset.”
Some key players to watch this season include juniors Sam Marshall and Cortney Vassall, sophomores Christine Fortier and Deann Kujawa and senior Angela Hendley.
Marshall, a forward who scored the most goals last season, is expected to lead the way again, while teammates Fortier and Kujawa add their own aggressive speed. Defensively, Cerato said Vassall and Hendley will be assets.
The team recently participated in its first scrimmage in Birmingham, and is preparing to face off against Davison tomorrow (Thursday) weather permitting.