Lyon County’s girls appear poised for a solid season on the soccer field with much of last year’s firepower returning this year.
Seven returning starters, including leading scorer Alice Smith, a junior, have hopes high for the Lady Lyons.
Head coach Abby Smith also returns for her fifth season on the sideline and said her girls are ready to play in front of raucous home crowds in Eddyville.
“This team really likes the positive energy of a big crowd. We would love to see our fans get to work by showing up and bringing positive loud energy cheering the players through their games,” said the Lady Lyon head coach.
“We work hard to keep our players motivated and in their right frame of mind, so we ask that the fans please bring that cheering section to all of our games.
“Many of us have been playing and practicing together since about the end of the season last year, so these girls are ready!”
The Lady Lyons play their first game of the season at home Monday night against Union County. Lyon’s girls will also play at home on Thursday when they entertain Paducah St. Mary.
Alice Smith, the coach’s daughter, will spearhead the offense after producing 39 goals and six assists last season.
Juniors Anna White and Kyndal Hubbard also return. White scored 14 goals and dished out eight helpers a year ago while Hubbard had nine goals and five assists.
Despite an 8-12 record, Lyon actually outscored opponents last season 76 goals to 68.
Senior Olivia Adams, junior Avery White and sophomores Kayla Dunn and Marley Norwood will all play key roles this season.
“Olivia and Kyndal have slightly different roles this year,” said Abby Smith. “They have both fit into their new roles well, and this has made big improvements to our team’s play. This also allows them both to be utilized in different areas of plays and positions throughout the season.”
The Lady Lyons also gets a “newcomer” to the starting lineup with senior Anna Crawford back this season.
“Anna Crawford is not really a newcomer, but her season ended really early last year with a concussion,” noted Smith. “She’s finding her spot again and building back her confidence. She’s been a solid player.”
Lyon is also developing some depth behind those players.
“Three juniors who were fairly new to the game that joined last year are looking to be able to contribute quite a lot this season are Gracelynn Taylor, Bailey Breitrick and Janessa Deseroi,” said Smith.
“Some returning sophomores that we expect great things out of are Richmond Herring and Sadie Gandee. Both of these girls show promise as keepers. Three freshmen to keep your eye on this season are Edie Jones, Kenley Haulk and Karli Patterson. All three of these players have been playing soccer for years and are serious about this game.
“Also I want to thank our two assistant coaches Christy Townsend and Savannah Putnam (a former player of mine) for all they have put into our team this year.”
Lyon was on the outside looking in at the 5th District championship match last season after falling to Crittenden County in the semifinals. Lyon, Crittenden and defending champion Trigg County figure to make up a competitive district again this year.
For now, the Lady Lyons’ top goal is to keep improving. But, ultimately, the team would like to challenge in the district.
“I always ask my players this question, because you can only coach them as far as they want to go,” said Smith. “Many of them have personal goals for areas of growth. We would like to see some of our new formations come together during games. We have really been working hard on improving our passes. Of course, you always want to come out on top of your district.”
