Written by Russ Hodges, Sports Editor
ROCHELLE — Injuries and inexperience created challenges for the Rochelle Lady Hub varsity soccer team throughout the 2024 season. But head coach Brad Mehl is optimistic that the experience gained by Rochelle's young players, especially the freshmen, after a full varsity season will lead to better results when the girls return next spring. are doing.
Rochelle finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 3-20 in the Interstate 8 Conference and 0-10 in the Interstate 8 Conference. The highlight of the season was definitely the Byron Tournament, where the Lady Habs defeated both Rockford Christian Life and Rock Island to take home the third place trophy. Rochelle also had a 9-0 win over Pecatonica at the end of the season.
“We had a lot of injuries this year, and that was the most disappointing because we were never at our best,” Marais said. “We had a lot of young players who were given valuable playing time, so we're hoping that this will inspire them to commit and take the next step. The girls continue to improve every day. I hope I can carry that over to next year and find even better things next year.”
Rochelle will lose three key seniors, including fourth-year starting goaltender Danica Ward, fourth-year starting forward Kara Martinez and third-year starting forward Sydney Thorne. The Lady Habs expect to be strong defensively next season, as Rochelle returns most of her back-row players, including junior defenders Betty Flores and Anahi Cervantes.
“I thought our teamwork started to fall into place towards the end of the season,” Marais said. “We started the season with 15 freshmen and at first we struggled to get our players into the right positions. The girls grew in confidence towards the end of the season and played well with the seniors. I think I made some plays and I hope I can build on that for next year.”
Other notable defenders who will be eligible to return next spring include sophomore Abby Bozinovich and freshmen Kari Gies and Addison Carter. Midfielders eligible to return include juniors Makayla Lara and Emma Kenney, and sophomore Eviles Mendez. Junior Janet Valle and freshman Taylor Olsen are two key forwards eligible to return next season.
“We should be in a good position defensively next year,” Marais said. “I think we'll be fine at the back with the experience we've gained this year…I thought we struggled in the midfield this year, but that was mainly due to injuries. I hope we all come back healthy next year. If we can do that, I think our teamwork will be even better.”