Following inaugural 6-6 campaign, Larks looks for encore in second season

Posted on by Larry Bartel

Team experience will be key coming into the second season in the short history of Hesston College women’s soccer. Although the roster will be small, quality players return, as well as several key newcomers to this year’s team. The middle of the field, as well as the keeper position, should be the team’s strength.

Many impact players from last season are gone, including second team all-region forward Megan Gongwer, defensive stopper Jessica Byerly, sweeper Janell Maust, outside defender Stephanie Kanagy, and midfielder Brittany King. Replacing the majority of the team’s defense will be a top priority for Coach Kurt Hostetler, who is confident the incoming freshmen will be able to fill the void.

A returning player who will be counted on throughout the season is midfielder Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa), last year’s team leader in assists. Other returnees include outside defender Heidi Baker (Mohnton, Pa.), midfielder Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.), and goalie Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.).

“Having Megan back in the middle will be an advantage for the girls playing next to her,” said Hostetler. “She made a huge difference last year and we’re excited to see what she and the rest of the sophomores will do in their second year.”

Key freshmen expected to make an immediate impact are midfielders Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.), Jena Schwartzentruber (Goshen, Ind.), and Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.), and defender Jessica Herschberger (Goshen, Ind.)

“I was pleasantly surprised with last year’s team,” said Hostetler. “We didn’t have many expectations coming into the year, so this year definitely has a different feel to it. We are anxious to take the next step for the program.”

This year’s Homecoming Weekend features games against McPherson College JV on September 26, as well as a Sunday night region VI matchup against Hutchinson CC. The Larks schedule is highlighted by several other region games, including an early season date at Butler County CC on September 3 and an October 1 home contest against Johnson County CC.

“We’ll have to play well to reach our goals of making the playoffs this year,” commented Hostetler. “Achieving a winning record is another goal of ours.