Return to former glory possible

It wasn't long ago that the Boulder City girls soccer program was the class of the lower division. Putting together a string of 14 consecutive postseason appearances (1999-2012), including back-to-back state tournament appearances in 2010 and 2011, the Eagles were the model of consistency throughout the Division I-A ranks.

Now the Lady Eagles, under coach Duncan Stark, are trying to rebuild that consistency after failing to make the playoffs the past two seasons.

"The soccer program is still rebounding from two seasons ago, when we lost seven potential starters right before the season started," Stark said. "That unfortunately put us in a position to play inexperienced players on the varsity level. With that behind us, we're now able to develop players to be ready to move onto the varsity level when their time comes."

The Lady Eagles are looking to rebound from their dismal 2-11-2 record, and Stark feels optimistic now that his program is back to full strength.

"We're excited about this upcoming season," Stark added. "Although we play in a strong league and will be competing against larger schools, we believe we will be more competitive than in years past."

Entering the season with 27 players in the program, the Lady Eagles could present a team with more overall depth, after playing with depleted rosters in seasons past. Returning 14 varsity letter winners from last season compared to just five the previous season should also factor heavily into the team's hopeful return to prominence, with experience throughout each level of the playing field prepared to guide the Lady Eagles to a higher finish than sixth in the Division I-A Sunrise standings.

Returning to anchor the midfield will be seniors Oshauna Remy and Jeanne Carmell, who both had solid seasons a year ago.

Remy led the Lady Eagles in points last season with 17, scoring seven goals and dishing out three assists. Despite not garnering a point last season, Carmell was also a valuable piece for the team, compiling a pair of shutouts as the team's goalkeeper. Sophomore Gina Pfieffer also could garner minutes after a reserve role last year.

Prepared to provide the Lady Eagles with much-needed scoring, after the team garnered only 19 goals last season, will be the forward trio of seniors Lauren Mullins and Paige Buettner and junior Jordyn Trobiani.

Both Mullins and Buettner scored three goals a season ago, with Mullins adding an assist, while Trobiani provided a pair of goals and an assist. Sophomore Rebecca Smith could see time at the forward position if needed as well, after scoring a goal and compiling a pair of assists last season.

On defense, last season's most valuable athlete, junior Alexus Pohe, returns to anchor the Lady Eagles' defense with fellow junior Julia Davidson and sophomores Nicole Valle and Lily Osman.

After allowing 68 goals a season ago, including double digits twice, getting more production on the defensive end will be key to a Lady Eagles turnaround. After going through a strong conditioning program, the girls are ready to play at this level and should provide a better effort this season, Stark said.

Attending the goal will be senior Samantha Lawrence and sophomore Rebecca Smith. Carmell and Osman also could be a possibility if needed to attend the net.

Boulder City opens its season up at 4:30 p.m. Friday as it hosts Division I opponent Basic High School, its lone nonconference opponent of the season.

With nearly three weeks until its next game on Sept. 16 at Chaparral, Friday's contest should provide the girls with an indication of who they are and who they need to become in order to restore the glory that was once Lady Eagles soccer.

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.