The Bishop Guertin High School girls soccer team returns a talented group of upperclassmen, but the key for the Cardinals could be in its youth.
A total of 59 players came out for the team this year, and that includes what coach Paul Sullivan calls “an extraordinary class of freshmen.” Those younger players and the upperclassmen will try to improved on the 9-7-1 record Bishop Guertin recorded last season.
Leading the way this year will be senior midfielder Molly McGaffigan, who was the Cardinals’ top scorer a year ago with 17 goals and nine assists. Other returning starters include seniors Lindsay Spirito, Tori Richardson and Alyssa Breda along with junior Suzy Struckmann.
Bishop Guertin also has a handful of players back who saw varsity time last year, including seniors Danielle Burke, Jaclyn Parolin and Sarah Ryan; juniors Allison Borland and Alanna Fitzgerald; and sophomores Callie Santos and Sarah Welch, who should see the majority of time in goal. Newcomers joining them include sophomores Lindsay Selden and Jackie Geisler and freshmen Jane Edwards and Sarah Swallow.
“Keys will be how quickly the younger talent can assimilate to the high school game,” Sullivan said. “Can the team diversify its attack? Can the team continue its efforts at developing a competitive attitude?”
The Cardinals will open the Division I season Tuesday at Timberlane. Bishop Guertin will also host Exeter, last year’s Class L winner, on Sept. 16 and Manchester Central, last year’s runner-up and the 2008 champ, on Sept. 24.