Lady Vikings return strong

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Third-year East Grand girls soccer coach Chris Young is optimistic for his team’s chances of playoffs the next few years.
    “Anything short of a tournament appearance will be a disappointment for the team,” he said.
    The Lady Vikings returned nine of their 11 starters from a year ago and field only one senior this season.
    “With a veteran group, we have reason to have high hopes,” said Young.
    The Lady Vikings are off to a solid start, with their only loss thus far to Easton early in the season.
    “That was a game (6-2 loss) that taught us a lot,” Young added. “We have to raise our level of play against every opponent and come out strong every game.”
    Junior Shaunna Beaudoin leads the Lady Vikings this season with nine goals and three assists through four games. According to Young, Beaudoin scored 26 goals and had four assists as a sophomore.
    “She should pass the all-time girl’s goal-scoring record of 44 at East Grand this season,” he added.
    The team is also led by freshman Lauren Morse, who has scored six goals with one assist through four games.
    “The team’s midfield is our strength,” said Young.
    Senior Kaitlyn Beaudoin, junior Jenny Armstrong and sophomore Theresa Cousins hold that line’s strength, said Young.
    In goal for her first year is junior Jayne Cousins, while “another strong player,” according to Young is the team’s stopper/midfielder Cassidy Woo.
    “She can play defense and be an offensive threat too,” he added.