SOLON — The varsity Lady Spartans ended last year’s soccer season with an 8-8 record after falling 3-0 to Center Point-Urbana (CPU) in Class 1A regional semifinal competition. Graduation claimed seniors Tali Radcliffe, Claire Leone, Grace Yetley, Gabby Knipper, and Tatum Holtkamp.

In her seventh season with the program, Coach Amanda Paulson (55- 37) brings back eight seniors – Rose McAtee, Silvie Hendricks, Addi Greene, Farrah Hendricks, Charlotte Leone, Ella Havlicek, Elena Swan, and Jocelyn Hendricks, four juniors – Gable Knight, Delainey Durr, Madelyn Pauley, and Sofia Ortega, and sophomore Laney Johnson McAtee led Solon’s offense last year with 13 goals including a pair of PKs.

Hendricks scored four goals and made five assists, Greene was second in goals with a dozen, and Farrah Hendricks scored one goal – a PK. Ortega was third in scoring with seven goals and three assists. Johnson scored one goal and made two assists.

Freshman Kinley Mai joins the varsity ranks as a “Big newcomer,” according to Paulson.

“We are returning a lot of starters and strong leadership. I am looking forward to a great season!” she said.

A scrimmage against Liberty High is set for this evening (Thursday, March 27) at 5:30 p.m. in Spartan Stadium.

The season opens Tuesday, April 1 at Iowa City Regina Catholic at 5:00 p.m. followed by a trip to CPU (Fross Park, Center Point) Thursday, April 3 at 5:00 p.m. The Stormin’ Pointers won the WaMaC East with a 7-0 conference showing and 12-2 overall record.

The first home match will be Tuesday, April 8 with Williamsburg at 5:00 p.m. followed by Iowa City, City High Thursday, April 10.

Important WaMaC East conference games include Independence (home) Monday, April 21 and Vinton-Shellsburg (away) Thursday, April 24.

Senior Night will be held Monday, May 12 as Marquette Catholic visits at 5:30 p.m.

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