CHIMACUM — East Jefferson’s girls soccer roster provides a mixture of experienced returners and some green relative newcomers to the sport.
The Rivals have battled for the Nisqually League’s fourth playoff spot for the last two seasons, posting near-.500 records each season.
If East Jefferson wants to reach that level once again, the Rivals may have to switch up their style of play.
“We might have to rely on some counterattacking soccer, where we pressure to try and win the ball and get the ball up field quickly,” coach Rob Cantley said. “If we play from the back like we did the last couple of years, we may have trouble, so we might adapt to playing up front as quickly as possible.”
East Jefferson does have ample speed up top in forwards Ava Shiflett and Audrey Matthes.
Senior Iris Mattern was named the Nisqually League Defensive MVP for her play last fall.
“Iris and Ava, it’s their senior years, and they will be doing a lot of carrying for us this year,” Cantley said. “Losing Kaylen [Pray], Izzy [McCracken] and Leah [Harrison], those girls are hard to replace.
“We can use Ava and Audrey’s speed to get behind defenses. We will probably keep Iris in midfield, but we will need her at her natural position, defender, what she plays for her club team.”
Mi Amada Lanphear Ramirez is another senior who will see plenty of time in midfield.
Junior Kay Botkin is a versatile player who could line up all over the field.
“Kay is a really talented athlete all around and we can use her in a variety of positions,” Cantley said. “She has good vision on the field.”
Rennie O’Donnell returns as a defender and Alkili Clevenger played goalkeeper late in the season last fall after injuries wiped out the top two at the position.
Freshman newcomers Gracie Witheridge and Teri Wiley both play club soccer and should contribute immediately at the varsity level.
“They are both talented and have good technique,” Cantley said.
Every player will get playing time this fall.
“We have 18 on the roster, a small team, but it’s really the perfect size,” Cantley said. “The bulk of them are freshmen and sophomores, including a few who didn’t play last year. We’re in kind of a rebuilding process, but there’s some talent in the young group that we have. I’m hoping it’s not too daunting for them as freshmen against the likes of Klahowya, but we will have to play some freshmen this season.”
East Jefferson Rivals
Head coach: Rob Cantley
Last Season: (5-7-2,) 6-7-2, missed playoffs.
Returners: Ava Shiflett (F, Sr.); Iris Mattern (M, Sr.); Audrey Matthes (F, Sr.); Miamada Lanphear Ramirez (M, Sr.); Kay Botkin (M/D, Jr.); Rennie O’Donnell (D, Jr.); Alkili Clevenger (GK, Soph.); Sienna Emerson (D, Soph.); Paula Ibarra (M, Soph.);
Newcomers: R.J. Spainhour (GK, Soph.); Gracie Witheridge (M/D, Fr.); Teri Wiley (M/F) Fr.
