Tue Feb 07 2012
By KEVIN LYNCH
Staff Writer
Hiland girls soccer coach Pat Miller has been coach of the team since its inception six years ago. He has taken his lumps over the past few years, but it appears as though it is the Hawks' turn to start delivering some blows.
In the season opener against Loudonville, Hiland unleashed its offensive attack that resulted in a 7-0 thrashing of the Redbirds.
Braylee Miller scored twice, Josie Beachy tacked on two goals and Irelie Riggle scored once and assisted on two others.
"This was a good start to the season for us," Miller said. "We did a solid job moving the ball, and I really can't single out individuals. We subbed 50-plus times and our bench definitely held its own.
"I was pleased with our energy and focus before the game," the coach continued. "We finished well and defended well as a team."
Virginia Keim scored and Mackenzie Miller added a goal and an assist. Hannah Stoneman also assisted on two goals.
"This is by far the most experienced team we've had," Miller said. "We have great depth."
The Hawks return 16 players who won letters last year. All but three of them are juniors and sophomores.
"We have good numbers and a full JV schedule this year, which will really begin to develop our younger players," Miller said.
The seniors on the squad are forward Braylee Miller, midfielder Kristen Miller and defender Ashley Weaver.
Junior Julie Raber takes over in goal for Lindsey Kline.
"Lindsey was a very good goalie, but Julie is very good as well," Miller said. "Lindsey had phenomenal hands. Julie does as well, but she's a little more athletic. She's learning. She's trying not to catch everything, but also to punch when she needs to punch the ball out."
The coach is looking forward to the continued development of his team and is eager to see what this season will bring.
"In the past, we might have had six or seven girls who were experienced enough to play varsity, and the rest we were filling in with athleticism," he said. "This year, we have quality skills and have a pretty good understanding all over the field, and we're just playing better soccer. It's a very, very athletic group.
"We're pretty loaded offensively," Miller summed up.
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