IAC GIRLS SOCCER: TIOGA COACH SAYS YOUNG ROSTER MAKES 2022 'CHALLENGING' (2022-08-31)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Tioga girls soccer coach Jim Walsh likes what he sees from his freshman class, but knows the amount of young players on his roster could make 2022 a challenging season.

“We don’t have any seniors, so our youth is obviously a concern,” said Walsh.

“Looking at the roster, 50 percent of the roster is in 9th grade — that’s good and bad,” he added. “It’s good for the future, but it could make it extra challenging this year.”

Freshman Raegan Foley and sophomore Taliah Speer are vying time at keeper, with the one not playing in goal likely to see a great deal of time in the field.

“I haven’t decided who the starter is,” said Walsh. “We may split time between them, and see how that works.”

Sophomore Lyla LaBour, juniors Lizzie Shaffer and Jenna Miner, and freshman Emily Zwierlein and Deziray Russell will each see time on defense.

Junior Elyse Haney, sophomore Erica Bradley, and freshman Ava Smolinsky will play in the midfield.

Freshman Kaylee Noyes, and junior Emma Jaye will man the forward spots.

The Lady Tigers suffered two major losses in the offseason, with sophomore Sophia Haney, who missed the majority of last season with a knee injury, switching to volleyball, and senior Aliza Browne suffering a season-ending injury this summer.

“Our only returning senior, Eliza Browne, a fearless and powerful player, suffered a season-ending injury this summer, so we won’t have her,” said Walsh. “It’s a big loss.”

Walsh said his returning IAC all-stars will be a big strength for the Lady Tigers.

“Elyse Haney and Erica Bradley returning in the midfield will definitely be a strength for us — both are solid players, and I expect big things from both of them.”

Again, Walsh likes what he sees in this freshman class.

“I didn’t have to go over too many basics this preseason, believe it or not, considering the number of freshmen we had.

“They’ve all played before, they’re athletic, and they seem motivated,” said Walsh. “They’ve shown great hustle this preseason.”

Walsh doesn’t know what to expect in 2022.

“This group is going to have to develop, and grow and improve,” he said. “At this point, I really don’t know what to expect. It’s going to be interesting.

“I think it’s going to be a challenging season, but I’m looking forward to it, and I hope they are, too,” added Walsh.

AROUND THE IAC SMALL SCHOOL
“It’s pretty much the same old story, it’s Odessa-Montour again as the team to beat,” said Walsh. “O-M lost a lot, but they have the returning divisional MVP in Hannah Nolan, one of the fastest girls in the state in Tori Brewster, and an athletic goalie in Keyona Garrison.

“"But, Watkins Glen is loaded,” noted Walsh. “They have big numbers, and they have a lot of travel girls. They are going to be good.

“Newfield should be solid, they have a couple of very good players,” he added.

Tioga opens the 2022 season Wednesday morning at Moravia.

——————

IN PHOTO: Tioga’s Erica Bradley.