Seckman Girls Soccer Off to Fast Start

The Seckman girls soccer team is fast. Talk to coach Jeff Perry and people will also realize the team is very confident in its ability.

“Yes, we are quick, and our whole roster is jam-packed with talent,” said Perry.

The Jaguars are 4-1 after their 6-0 victory on Monday against Windsor Jefferson County at Pacific.

After a 4-3 loss to Oakville last week, which caused the only blemish on the team’s early season record, the Jaguars sensed that a few more minutes of play probably would have earned them at least a tie as they’d already stormed back to close the gap to one goal twice during the contest.

Coming off a 6-17 season in 2010, which Perry conceded “was a struggle,” Seckman returns 13 players. Perry referred to this group as very “tight knit” as a collective unit.

“We were young last season, and most of the team played together all of the offseason, and this year the camaraderie is high,” said Perry.

Among the returning players are seniors Jess Maledy and Cagney McDonald, who Perry looks to as team leaders. Maledy plays striker and already has five goals and three assists this season. McDonald anchors the defense, providing direction for a backfield headed up by freshman goalkeeper Hannah Spraul.

Offensively, the Jaguars return each of their top 10 scorers from 2010, and they’re capable of lighting up the opposition’s net from all ranges, as evidenced by a superb strike from 30 yards out by junior midfielder Donna Joliff in the loss to Oakville.

Though the team lacks height in the box, the speed of the Jaguars has made up for it, as Joliff and junior striker Jessica Smugala are combining successfully thus far to create offensive space. Smugala has six goals on the season, including a game-winner against Perryville last Friday. It was her third goal of the game.

Expectations for the remainder of the schedule are high as Perry says the team not only has talent, but also now has the experience it lacked last season.

“I handed out 12 varsity letters last year, and the players experienced some difficult losses, which motivated them to put in the work during the offseason. And many of them also hang out together off the field, which adds to the teamwork element,” said Perry.

Perhaps the most important component of the Jaguars’ potential in 2011 is the excitement of the players and their coach. Enthusiasm can manifest in many ways, including a refusal to give up and pulling for subs coming in late to help pick up the squad.

“We are very excited about this season. Last year we headed to a few games and tournaments where we knew we’d be in trouble, but this season we’re ready to compete,” said Perry.

Seckman will play league matches against Parkway North on Friday, Parkway West on April 11, and Parkway Central on April 12. League play ends on May 9 at Kirkwood.