Easton Lady Bears show potential

Last year was a challenging one for the Easton Lady Bears and coach Evan Graves. The team played short-handed in a few games, with only 10 players suited up at times, and ended up with a 2-12 record.     “We struggled through the season, but grew a bunch over the course of the season and improved every game,” Graves said.
While last year’s roster included a large group of seniors, the 2007 team has numerous freshman making the transition from middle level soccer to a more physical game. However, while the team was only able to record its first win Saturday over East Grand after 10 consecutive losses to begin the season, Graves sees plenty of potential.
“We’re young and are learning a lot about the game,” said the third-year coach. “It’s been a rebuilding year, and we’ve been plagued with some injuries which have made things tough, but the morale is high.”
For leadership, the Bears are counting on junior Katrina Martin and senior Morgan Svitila. Both show great knowledge of the game of soccer, with Martin being a versatile player who is well-respected by her teammates and Svitila a transfer from Presque Isle who owns a powerful foot and has fit in well at the sweeper position.
Graves has also been impressed by the play of goalie Taylor Burtt, a sophomore who is new to the position but is learning every day.
The other Easton starters are senior fullback Kristen Boxwell, junior forward Kilynne Beaulieu, junior halfback Kacie Getchell, sophomore forward Lisa Dayringer, freshman striker Brooke Hammond, freshman halfback Brooke Lunney, freshman fullback Sam Fuller and freshman stopper Sydney Trask.
Substitutes include junior fullback Sadie Ramano, freshman halfback Marissa Parlin, freshman fullback Katie Cyr, junior fullback Jessica Monson and senior fullback Casey Baston. The Bears’ managers are Brittanee Tompkins and Brittany Blodgett.
“We are learning how to work as a team and learning the importance of the team aspect of the game,” Graves said. “The girls are improving every day and I think this year will be a big boost for the coming years, with the program growing and becoming more successful.”