SOLON — The varsity Spartans ended last year’s soccer season with a 9-10 record after falling 5-1 to Center Point-Urbana (CPU) in Class 2A substate semifinal competition. Graduation claimed seniors Josiah Hale, Bryan Petrie, Braden Haugland, Eli Freerks, Coy O’Haver, Ethan Melloy, and Daniel Tearse.

In his third season with the program, Coach Eyasu Russell (15-20 at Solon) brings back three seniors – keeper Zander Stookey, Evan Burg, and Evzen Meza, five juniors – Tucker Spence, Caden Mai, Parker Mergen, Rene Meza, and Ryan Locke, and sophomores Elliot Sutton and Colin McKie.

Stookey made 89 saves and allowed 42 goals, Burg produced three goals and made five assists, Mai had one PK and one assist, while Locke led the team last season with 11 goals and three assists.

The season opens Monday, March 31, at Iowa City Regina Catholic at 5:00 p.m. followed by a trip to CPU (Fross Park, Center Point) Friday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. The Stormin’ Pointers were second in the WaMaC East with an 8-3 conference showing and 11-5 overall record behind East Champion Marion (10- 1/14-5).

The Spartans will host Clinton and West Branch in a triangular Saturday, April 5, starting at 8:30 a.m. while Williamsburg visits Tuesday, April 8, at 7:00 p.m.

Jami E. Martin- Trainor, UI Prep Sports Journalism class, contributed to this report