Washburn girls

An entirely new defensive corps and the addition of some highly-touted freshmen to an already-talented roster have the Washburn girls looking to accomplish some big things this season.     “The keys to the year are staying healthy and the development of the freshmen and sophomores to go along with the returning starters from last year,” said Ron Ericson, who is back at the helm after 18 previous seasons as a varsity coach at Washburn.
Last year, Washburn’s season came to an end in the semifinals with a loss to Van Buren in a game that came down to penalty kicks.
The Lady Beavers had to replace all four fullback slots due to graduation losses, but so far the results have been positive. Kristen Goupille has moved from the front line to sweeper, with Kelsee McLaughlin now the starter at the stopper position. Dakota Koch has made a near-seamless transition from middle school soccer and has been solid at fullback as a freshman. Classmate Sarah Sjoberg and Jordan Chandler have shared the other fullback slot.
“We have moved some players around and have some good young players that are doing well,” Ericson said of the revamped defense.”
Rachel Palmer is back as the team’s starting goalkeeper.
Erica McDougall, a senior, handles the center halfback position. She is joined on the line by freshmen Lindsey Blackstone, Rebecca Campbell and Meaghan Saucier and sophomore Felicia Cochran.
Senior Alex Bird is off to a great start as the starting striker. Junior Morgan Berube has piled up several goals early on from the wing position. Junior Charley Chandler has seen most of the action at the other wing.
Jessica Drost is expected back soon and will be a contributor at either halfback or wing forward.  Hillary Jackson, Linda Michaud and Courtney Johnson are the other Lady Beaver players, with Amber Reed, Kayla Pike and Kelly O’Donnell serving as managers.