Sikeston Lady Bulldogs aiming for improvement

The Sikeston girls’ soccer team returns several contributors from last season’s squad that finished 6-16.

“Our girls are very excited to get back into the season together,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “They’ve shown a lot of energy and positivity in the first several practices.”

The team graduated three outstanding players but returns sophomores Ashley Roth (two goals and four assists), Hailey Presley (one assists and 205 saves n goal), juniors Cate Schrumpf (three goals and one assist), Kenzie Ogden (three goals), senior Emilie Massey (one goal and two assists) and Natalie Wright (six saves in goal).

Hailey Presley prepares for a goal kick after a making a save during Sikeston's 4-0 senior night win over Massac County (Ill.) at Sikeston Recreation Complex on Tuesday, May 3. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Other experienced returns are juniors Olivia Gadberry, Maggie Drury, sophomore Caroline Blanton, and sophomore Landry Eason. All are expected to play valuable minutes.

“We will feature a fairly young roster, but we do have some girls with some ability to score as evidenced by the stats,” Dement said. “We also have some defense returning.”

Sophomore Kinsley Brandon and freshman Izzy Mitchell are some new faces expected to contribute to the varsity team.

Cate Schrumpf attempts a shot during Sikeston's 4-0 senior night win over Massac County (Ill.) at Sikeston Recreation Complex on Tuesday, May 3. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“Our style of play is most often a 4-4-2, but we adjust that at times too,” Dement said. “4-5-1 depending on the opponent. We are working hard on possession and hope to be able to keep the ball to create opportunities. It’s tough to gauge expectations this early on, but I expect a [winning] season that will improve from start to finish. One team goal is to improve on last year’s record.”

Sikeston kicks off the season on Monday, March 20 at Anna Jonesboro, Illinois.