Bulldogs seek success without spoiling the fun

Notre Dame's girls soccer team won its first district championship last year.

Not satisfied with just making the state playoffs, the Bulldogs made it all the way to the state championship game before bowing out 3-0 to John Burroughs.

Notre Dame finished its best season ever 23-3-1.

With their first game today at home against Notre Dame of St. Louis, the Bulldogs will try to provide an encore to last season's unprecedented success.

"We had so much fun, and we expect to get back there," Notre Dame coach Jeff Worley said. "The big thing is we don't want that to consume us. That can really take the fun out of playing."

Notre Dame has 10 players coming back with extensive starting experience from last year's squad, including its top five goal scorers and its starting goalkeeper. Senior Sierra Ellis led the Bulldogs with 24 goals last season, while Amanda Dirnberger added 11 and Lauren Mehner finished with eight.

Worley said the chemistry between the forwards and midfielders really helps the offense click.

"The other seniors are so used to playing together they just have a great feel for where each others at," he said.

While the Bulldogs did lose two all-district defenders in Ali Tyson and Sara Berkbigler, goalie Katie Palmer provides a steadying hand in the backfield. Palmer finished with 17 shutouts last season.

"She's got great size," Worley said of Palmer. "A lot of goalies in girls soccer have trouble catching the high ball or corners. Being a basketball player is an advantage for her; it transitions over."

Notre Dame's new-look backfield will have Emily Buehrle in the center once again along with returning starter Jesse Westrich. Kristen Boos moves back to defender as well. Senior Loreal Garner will see significant time at fullback and sophomore Kaitlyn Scheeter moves up from the junior varsity to get some time in the backfield.

Garner said it may take some time to mesh in the back, but she expects the defense to be strong again.

"I think we have enough good girls to come out and fill the position," she said.

Playing a possession-style game, Notre Dame will try to take advantage of its experience throughout the field. Notre Dame had a 69-19 scoring advantage last season.

"The big progress for us was the ability to possess the ball," Worley said. "We were able to limit so many chances for the other teams."

Living up to high expectations can be tough for a young program, but with nine seniors Notre Dame should not have too many problems handling the pressure. A good portion of the athletes have extensive playoff experience from volleyball and basketball.

"It is kind of nerve-wracking knowing everyone expects so much from us," Garner said, "but we're ready."