MFL MarMac Girls Soccer Preview: Team has strong numbers, growing familiarity with game
The MFL MarMac girls soccer team includes (front, left to right) Claire Goltz, Ava Goltz, Garnett Niedziejko, Emma Niedziejko, Layla Landt, April Upton; (middle) Alexandria Ames, Kambry Keehner, Kensey Ball, Kacie Picha, Skylar Fisk, Kaylee Hoth, Karish Kluth, Mackenzie O’Connell; (back) Ashtyn Dundee, Veda Torkelson, Addison Corlett, Brooke Hackett, Madelyn Keehner, Avery Lamborn, Alexandrea McElwaine, Nora Griffith, Olivia Kirby, Evelyn Birdnow and Kynlee Baker. Not pictured are Mackenzie Bachman, Evelyn Fritz, Emeilia Wikner and Brynlee Fritz. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
Coach Lily Hoeger hopes the MFL MarMac girls soccer players can gain more familiarity and confidence in the sport this season—the second for the program.
“They learned a little bit of everything,” she said of the inaugural 2024 season. “The season started off a little slow, but the more we got into it, the more familiar they were with handling the ball, just being out on the field in general. They grew a lot as a team and I cannot wait to see this year.”
The Bulldogs boasted 18 players a season ago, and the roster has grown to 26 strong now. Around half the players are returners, including seniors Mackenzie Bachman, Avery Lamborn, Garnett Niedziejko, Ava Goltz and Karish Kluth; juniors Kacie Picha and Alexa McElwaine; and sophomores Kaylee Hoth, Emme Wikner, Brynlee Fritz, Allie Ames and Layla Landt. Newcomers include a mix of ages, with two juniors, three sophomores and 11 freshmen.
Hoeger is excited to see the level of participation.
“I couldn’t be happier with the amount of girls who are out,” she said.
The players’ roles on the team are still being determined, according to Hoeger. It could change throughout the season.
“Right now, I’m seeing what skills each of the girls have and trying to figure out what position is best for each individual,” she said.
The defense looks to be a strength, particularly with McElwaine back in goal.
“I am very proud of our goalie. She really steps up to the plate,” Hoeger commented.
Communication is another strength, along with camaraderie.
“The girls get along so well,” the coach added.
2025 goals include winning a few games, said Hoeger. She also wants the players to continue to grow.
“Since there are a lot of newbies here, I just want them to get familiar with it and perform to the best abilities they can and see how they shine,” she said.
The Bulldogs start play on Thursday, April 3, at West Delaware, then host Prairie du Chien on Friday, April 4.
