SOLON — The Lady Spartans graduated six seniors from last year’s line-up, which went 10-6 overall and 6-4 in the WaMaC East for a 2nd-place finish in the conference. Gone are seniors Morgan Link (who led the team with 19 goals last season), Georgia Havlicek (four goals), Liona Rocca (one goal), Maria Milliman, Izzy Paisley, and Alex Paisley (the Lady Spartans’ keeper with 52 saves and 14 goals allowed in 1,263 minutes in the goal).
Coach Amanda Paulson, in her sixth year with Solon, brings back three seniors – Gabby Knipper, Grace Yetley, and Tali Radcliffe. Knipper, a midfielder, scored six goals and made four assists last season earning First Team All-Conference, Academic All-Conference, and Academic All-State honors. Yetley, a midfielder, scored one goal and made one assist earning Second Team All-Conference, Academic All-Conference, and Academic All-State honors. Radcliffe produced seven goals and made one assist and received Academic All-Conference honors.
Six juniors bring valuable varsity experience to the line-up – Addi Greene, Farrah Hendricks, Rose McAtee, Valerie Miller, Elena Swan, and Silvie Hendricks. McAtee, a forward, produced nine goals and one assist last year earning All-Conference Honorable Mention. Miller, a defender, made one assist and earned All-Conference Second Team honors. Greene, a forward, made one goal and one assist. Silvie Hendricks, a midfielder, produced one goal while Farrah Hendricks is a defender, and Elena Swan is a midfielder. Sophomore Sofia Ortega, a midfielder, is also back in the line-up with two goals to her credit last season while freshman Sophia Link joins the varsity ranks.
The season opened last Thursday with a scrimmage against the Liberty High Lightning, AKA: “The Bolts.” The first regular season match was set for Monday as Regina Catholic (Iowa City) visited the Lady Spartans after this edition’s final deadline. Solon defeated the Regals 4-2 last year before defeating WaMaC West rival Clear Creek Amana 2-1 in overtime and shutting out Mount Vernon 2-0. The Marion Wolves handed the Lady Spartans their first loss of the season winning 1-0 in Solon. The season ended with a 3-0 loss in Class 1A Region 2 semifinals to Nevada after a 3-1 quarterfinal win at home over the Ballard Bombers.
Upcoming events
Thursday, March 28 – HOME vs. Mid-Prairie. Varsity at 5:30 p.m. with JV to follow.
Tuesday, April 2 – HOME vs. Mount Vernon. Varsity at 5:30 p.m., JV postponed.
Thursday, April 4 – HOME vs. Marion. Varsity at 5:30 p.m. JV to follow.
Rose McAtee (1) attacks the Clippers’ goal April 6, 2023, at Spartan Stadium. McAtee scored both goals in a 2-1 sudden death overtime win against Clear Creek Amana.