BLUE DRAGONS LOOK TO SPEED THINGS UP IN 2024
By Steve Carpenter
Blue Dragon Sports Information Director
During the days of the best offensive teams in Hutchinson Community College women's soccer history, the Blue Dragons had a speed factor very few teams could match up with.
Those Blue Dragon teams were very adept at controlling a ball in the defensive end and quickly counter with speed through the midfield and ultimately ending up with multiple scoring chances from both sides of the goal in each and every game.
That's what Blue Dragon head coach Sammy Lane is hoping for a return to in 2024.
BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S SOCCER
No. 20 Hutchinson (0-0) vs. NOC-Enid (0-0)
2024 Season Opener
When: Thursday, August 22, 2024
At: Salthawk Soccer Complex, Hutchinson, KS
Time: 6 p.m.
Video: Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:55 p.m.
X: @bluedragonsport
"Last year I thought we were good enough defensively to compete for a region title, but it ultimately comes down to scoring goals," said Lane, whose 2024 Blue Dragons open the new season at 6 p.m. on Thursday against NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.
"We didn't score enough last year. Part of it was we couldn't get in positions behind more defenders to become more dangerous. This year I feel like we will have more options to create that danger. We have a lot more speed last year."
The 2023 Blue Dragons went 12-5-3, averaging 2.80 goals per game, the fifth-lowest average in the program's first 19 seasons. The 2022 Blue Dragons averaged 2.61 goals per game. The 2021 Dragons averaged 1.87 and the 2020/21 team averaged 1.50 goals per game.
The diminishing offense became more than a disturbing trend for Lane, who worked hard to infuse some much needed speed into the lineup for 2024.
"We've got a good group of kids," said Lane, who is 259-72-12 in his first 19 seasons at Hutchinson. "We have some very good sophomore leadership and experience. We have some good pieces to put out there this year."
The 2024 Blue Dragons have 10 players returning from last season, including all-KJCCC players in midfielder Kaitlyn Edwards, goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower and forward Katharina Marx.
In the Blue Dragons' two preseason scrimmages, they scored four goals in a weather-shortened scrimmage against Allen and 10 goals against Southwestern College, showing the desired speed Lane was looking for.
The 2024 Blue Dragons return two of their three leading scorers from last season in Edwards (13 goals, 8 assists) and Marx (12 goals, nine assists).
Joining Marx on the forward line is redshirt sophomore Haley Rogers, who scored five goals in the two preseason games this season. Originally a transfer from Washburn University, Rogers missed the entire 2023 season with an injury. Sophomore Emma Hoffman and freshman Faith Pound will figure into the mix up front.
"Haley is going to be a huge asset for us up there," Lane said. "She is so composed in front of the goal. She plays with a little more patience right now and she knows how to finish."
In the midfield, Edwards proved to be one of the best in the KJCCC as a freshman. This season, she won't be relied solely upon to get the offense going.
Freshman Beatrice Sales has played with a non-stop, high-intensity motor that has been a positive jolt for the team in the preseason, Lane said. Also sophomore Jessica Salkeld is playing with much more confidence after an up-and-down freshman campaign. Hannah Lowe, younger sister of former Blue Dragon Hadlie Lowe and Kayla Klausner are in-state players who will add to the midfield depth.
"Edwards can play the ball in anywhere," Lane said. "Now that we have more speed on both side, we should be able to create more scoring chances this year. It will be interesting to see how it pans out."
In goal, Slothower returns after a stellar freshman season where she went 12-5-3 with a 0.96 goals-against average and an .833 save percentage. Slothower registered seven shutouts and recorded 95 saves, second most in Blue Dragon single-season history.
Last season, Slothower was the lone keeper on the Blue Dragon roster. This season, freshman Marina Lopez will give the Dragons depth in goal.
The Blue Dragon back line is led by sophomores Nancy Stefanek, Kaylee Monk and Ilex Hagan. The insertion of freshmen Anastasia Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison and Sofia Bremer and the return of redshirt sophomore Lorena Gomes, who returns from a season-ending injury in 2023, gives Lane some depth and options.
"Very few people will outrun Teagan and Ana has a chance to be one of the best backs ever." Lane said. "There will be some good competition across the back."
After Thursday's season opener, the Blue Dragons are scheduled to play Otero College in a neutral site game in Liberal on Saturday. The status of that game is contingent on the hot temperatures forecast for Saturday in Liberal.
The Blue Dragons will open conference play next Wednesday against Garden city a the Salthawk Sports Complex.