IAC GIRLS SOCCER: TIOGA'S WALSH HAS REASONS FOR OPTIMISM IN 2021 (2021-03-17)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER "” Tioga girls soccer coach Jim Walsh has something he's not accustom to in 2021 - good numbers on a senior-laden team.
"We have the best numbers we've had in years, believe it or not," said Walsh. "We have 14, thanks to a little bit of recruitment. I feel good about where we're at."
Walsh has four seniors - Cassie Birney, Madison Howey, Jenna Smolinsky, and Eve Wood, who have all played four years of varsity, and one - Destini Sweet, who has five years of varsity experience. They had their best year last year with a 4-9-1 record.
"I'm hoping for our seniors that this is our year," said Walsh. "They've worked hard ... they've stuck with the program, and been through some lean years. And, each year they've improved, even with our low numbers.
"This year, with a few subs and our senior experience, I think we should be improved," he added.
Of course, Walsh is happy just to have a season.
"I'm glad for these athletes to get the chance to play," he said. "I wasn't sure if it was going to happen."
Another thing Walsh is thankful for is a normal schedule, instead of the "Tioga County pod" the girls basketball team was in.
"I felt bad for the basketball team," he said. "They were forced to play Waverly, Newark Valley, and Owego, but we have a favorable schedule.
"We basically play within our division, and we have one or two games against Notre Dame," added Walsh.
The Lady Tigers will have returning divisional all-star junior Gabby Foley in net, with
another all-star Howey at defensive-mid, and Birney, Wood, and sophomore Eliza Brown on defense.
Junior Abby Foley and freshmen Elyse Haney and Emma Jaye will play in the midfield, while three-time divisional all-star Sweet, Smolinsky, and junior Rachel Feeko will man the forward spots.
Junior Haley Champlin and sophomore Brynn Elston will come off the bench and see time on defense, and freshman Kaylee Noyes will see some time at forward.
Walsh is excited about several things he sees as strength for the Lady Tigers this season.
"I think Destini Sweet, who is a three-time all-star and powerhouse forward for us, is a strength, and Gabby Foley really solidified the keeper position for us last year.
"And, that senior group on defense - Eve (Wood), Cassie (Birney) and Madison (Howey) ... they've been working so long together, they know each other, and they've looked very good in the preseason," Walsh said.
"I'm really excited about Elyse Haney and a few of our other youngsters," noted Walsh. "Eliza Brown is very athletic, and she has played before. I think they will both help us.
"Hopefully, these younger girls take a look at our seniors ... watch how they play, learn from them, and we can continue to build something here," Walsh added.
Walsh's biggest worry headed into the season is conditioning.
"I think my biggest concern is just the unusual situation we're in," he said. "A lot of coaches have mentioned it, so we're not the only ones ... we haven't had our norman preseason.
"We did practice in the fall on a limited basis - two times a week," noted Walsh. "But, I don't know what to expect with conditioning. We went hard in the past week, but it is only eight days of practice.
"So, I guess my main concern is conditioning," he added.
Tioga opens the season Wednesday when it hosts Watkins Glen.
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IN PHOTO: Destini Sweet.
