Staff Writer
CARIBOU – With 14 returning Vikings, the 2008 Caribou High School girls’ varsity soccer team appears set for another run at the Class B playoffs.
Staff photo/Meridith PatersonCaribou girls’ varsity soccer. The 2008 Vikings are, from the left in front, Tori Wong, Lydia Kieffer, Jamie Martin, Brittany Doak, Meg Bosse, Meagan Bossie and Kristen Espling; in the middle, Kayla Schurman, Tia McHatten, Abby Small, Danielle Violette, Jessica Zyblut, Paige Small, Amanda Cyr and Demarre Doody-Corriveau; in the back, head coach Todd Albert, Tori Dorman, Emily Collins, Emily Anderson, Erin Buck, Jenna Selander, Katie Ouellette, Kate Bell and assistant coach Chris Bell; and, missing from photo, Liz Barbosa.
“We have been looking forward to the season for quite some time. With 14 returnees we have some experience, and also have a nice influx of young talent,” explained eighth-year coach Todd Albert.
In 2007 the Vikings put in a playoff-worthy performance going 10-3-1 in the regular season, and defeating Belfast 4-0 in the preliminary round. Their season ended at the feet of John Bapst 5-1 in quarterfinal action. The seasoning gained during these matches should translate into further success in 2008.
“We need to improve our technical skills to help how we play tactically. If we are able to play in combination with each other, we should play better as a team,” said Albert.
Despite losing Ali Richards in the striker position, an All-Aroostook, PVC first team and All-State soccer player, 2007 All-Aroostook honorees junior keeper Brittany Doak, sophomore Jenna Selander and senior Kristen Espling come back to help lead their team on the field.
Selander, who was also a PVC honorable mention, scored 10 goals last season, and Espling was named to the PVC first team and Eastern Maine team.
Joining Selander as starting striker is senior Emily Collins. In the midfield lineup with Espling are juniors Liz Barbosa and Abby Small, senior Amanda Cyr and sophomore Lydia Kieffer.
Defending the Caribou goal are seniors Katie Ouellette, Meg Bossie and Meagan Bossie.
Also donning the Viking jersey this season are seniors Tori Dorman and Tori Wong; juniors Erin Buck and Emily Anderson; sophomores Danielle Violette and Jessica Zyblut; and freshmen Jamie Martine, Paige Small and Tia McHatten.
“I have high expectations for each practice, game and season,” said Albert. “Everything we do has a purpose. We look to improve through out the season and have fun. If we do things right, winning will take care of itself.”
