Jackson girls soccer look to make sixth straight trip to state

For the Jackson girl’s soccer team and coach Justin McMullen to get back to the Class 4 State tournament they must overcome losing five key components to their 2022 quarterfinal run where they lost to eventual state runner-up Nerinx Hall.

“We graduated five players from last year’s 17-win team,” McMullen said. “We return seniors Justi Nelson, Emilia Wunderlich, Maci Wendel, and Natalie Hawk and I look for them to provide the leadership needed for us to excel this season.”

One of those key losses to graduation was goalkeeper Brooke Gerau, who was outstanding in goal for the Indians.

“Sophmore Camryn Alsdorf will be taking the reins over for Brooke as our goalkeeper,” McMullen said. “Brooke was a standout for us for the last three years but we expect Alsdorf to succeed in goal for us.”

Also looking to make an impact on the team will be a slew of underclassmen including three juniors (Lauren Marchi, Olivia Klinkhardt, and Maggie James) as well as six sophomores and three freshmen.

“We will have to be disciplined in order to be successful,” McMullen said. “Chemistry will be important as well."

Home games this season include visits from Cor Jesu Academy, Northwest (Cedar Hill), Poplar Bluff, Cape Central, and Sikeston and will also feature the Lady Indian Showcase where Jackson will play Marquette on March 24 and Helias Catholic on March 25.

"Our schedule is probably the toughest we have since I’ve been here,” McMullen said.

The Lady Indians will take to the road to play Kelly to start the season on March 20, and will play Parkway West, Saxony Lutheran, Notre Dame, Farmington, and Seckman on the road as well as take part in the Springfield Kickapoo Tournament in early April.