Valley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER — Interim Tioga girls soccer coach Jim Walsh is hoping his team's defense, and the continued strong play of sophomore Grace Howey will help make up for the loss of the program's all-time leading scorer as the 2026 season gets under way.
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LAST YEAR: 8-8-1; reached IAC Small School championship, lost in Section IV, Class C quarterfinals. ... OPENER: At home Tuesday against Marathon.
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"Our defense, led by senior goalie Marcy Moniz and returners Kaylah Nelson and Amelia Toomey, has to be right up there as a team strength," said Walsh.
"Offensively, watch Grace Howey this year; she is ready to explode," added Walsh.
The Tigers returning starters are goal keeper Marcy Moniz, defenders Amelia Toomey and Kaylah Nelson, who could also see time in the net, midfielders Howey, Addison Landmesser, and Serenity Relyea, and Natalie Kemp, who could see action on all three levels.
Also returning are midfielders Carolina Rapp and Maggie Conniver, and forwards Emily Moniz and Skyla Jankowski.
Newcomers this season are Kyah Nelson and Callie Rapp on defense, and Mary VanDusen, who could see time in the midfield or at forward.
"Kyah Nelson was a surprise pickup this year and has already made an impact on the defensive front," said Walsh. "She picks up things very quickly and is very athletic."
Walsh believes the biggest task at hand for the Tigers is replacing Sophia Haney, who became the program's all-time leading scorer last year.
"Replacing Sophia will be no easy task," he said. "Grace Howey and Sophia Haney were most times an unstoppable offensive duo, nine times out of ten one was assisting the other on scores.
"The supporting midfield returners will have to step up together to fill those shoes as much as possible," noted Walsh. "Natalie Kemp could lead the way there with Serenity Relyea and Addison Landmesser right behind.
"Sophia Haney was not only a prolific scorer, but an invaluable leader on the team with incredible knowledge of the game — we will be looking for that field general," Walsh added.
Walsh said the expectations for 2026 are similar to every year.
"The old cliché, one game at a time but in general it would be nice to return to the IAC championship, make sectional playoffs, and advance in sectionals," he said.
AROUND THE IAC SMALL SCHOOL
"O-M had a solid team last year, and could be our biggest division challenge," said Walsh.
"League-wise, the north side is very strong," he noted. "Last year's IAC champion Southern Cayuga and Class C champion Groton will be the teams to beat."
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IN PHOTO: Tioga sophomore Grace Howey. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
