PREVIEW – Lady Lyons Looking for New Leaders

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The Lyon County Lady Lyons will look to continue to ride the momentum of a 15-3-2 showing and a 5th District championship last season.

But the 2022 season sees the absence of three seniors from last year’s squad, including all-time leading scorer Rose Smith.

Smith and Leah Schroeder combined for 76 of Lyon’s 106 goals in 2021.

Lyon head coach Abby Smith knows some new leaders will have to step up this season.

“We are young and will be learning a lot this year. If they continue to grow and learn at the rate that they are without letting a loss or being behind get to them we should be a team to watch.”

Up front, senior Mary Beth Davis and sophomores Avery White, Alice Smith and Anna White, return on offense.

Avery White is the top returning scorer with 17 goals last season while Smith had 11 goals and 25 assists.

“I have several players who are returning that I think will play a key role this season,” said the Lady Lyon head coach.

Alice Smith had 11 goals and 25 assists last season as a freshman.

“Alice Smith is excellent at connecting passes and calling plays. She just understand the game really well. The team seems to respect this and trusts her. She plays year-round, playing a pivotal role on her select team as well.

“Anna White is another player who can connect a smart pass and can finish a shot. She does really well on the left side, but can really play anywhere on offense. She has become a lot more vocal which is important out on the field. She also plays year-round and is very active on her select team.

“Avery White has that never-give-up mindset. Her endurance is fantastic!

“Mary Beth Davis has the ability to cut off the pass in the midfield.”
Defensively, senior Maddie Russell returns in the net after averaging almost 12 saves a match last season.

“Maddie got a slow start this summer, but has been working hard lately to get back to the level she was last year,” said Smith. “She is amazing in that goal. She has been working with our younger goalies and understands the role of goalie.

“The entire team works hard. The entire team has room to grow. Especially since our varsity team is heavy with freshman and sophomores.”

Juniors Olivia Adams and Anna Crawford also return on defense.

“Olivia Adams lives and breathes soccer,” said Smith. “Her dedication to this sport is admirable. She is a junior this year and does a great job as a center back. She is able to get that defensive line to move correctly. She can also play as a defensive mid.”

A pair of freshman could have an impact on the Lady Lyons this season.

“Two newcomers to varsity that are freshman that I’m looking to play a key role are Marley Norwood and Kayla Dunn,” said Smith. “Marley has great ball control, foot skills, and can read the field/control plays well. She plays well in our center mid position and I can see her as a striker as well. Kayla Dunn is quick and solid. She communicates well for a youngster. I see her playing some defense as well as on the wing on offense.

“Bailey Brietrick, Gracelynn Taylor, and Lizzy Maise are new to our team this year and show a lot of promise.”

Senior Mary Beth Davis is a returning starter for the Lady Lyons.

The Lady Lyons will open the 2022 season on Monday, at home, against Union County.

Trigg County looks to be Lyon’s biggest challenger in the district this season, but Crittenden County’s program continues to improve.

“Our No. 1 goal for the season is to end our season all as friends,” said Smith. “This is high school, so the friendships and support system that these girls build are by far the most important thing to gain from being a part of this team. Of course we would like to win districts and have success in regions.

“I’d also like to add a big thanks to my assistant coaches Christy Townsend and Savannah Putnam. Christy brings a lot of technical help to our team. Savannah used to play for me a few years ago and is a great help with defense.

“I’d also like to encourage my fans to be more vocal positively cheering our team on. Bring those cow bells out, fans, our team loves them! Be kind to the refs and administration!”

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