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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 | BRAINERD DISPATCH
BRAINERDDISPATCH.COM
GIRLS SOCCER
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
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The goal is the same and many of the names are, too By Jeremy Millsop %UDLQHUG 'LVSDWFK BRAINERD — Many of the names have changed, but the goal for the Brainerd Warriors remains the same — state. Last year’s season ended short of that goal despite an 11-2 overall record and a 9-1 mark in the Central Lakes Conference. “Last season is a huge motivator for these seniors,” Warrior head coach Grant Gmeinder said. “They got a little taste of success two years ago and quite a bit of frustration last year. It’s been on everybody’s minds.” Brainerd returns 13 letterwinners from last season including its top two scorers in Emma Sheflo (9 goals and 16 points) and Gabby Eckman (10 goals and 11 points). Paige Yeager also returns with her 5 goals and seven points to provide a strong scoring punch. “We got a lot of goals and assists from Emma and Gabby,” Gmeinder said. “Those two both had big years last year. Paige will slot in there as well and she put in a good number of goals, too. We have good experience coming off the bench as well.” Midfield is where Brainerd is the least experienced, but senior captain Emma Balsley returns. She posted three goals and nine points last season. Gretchen Paysee also
WARRIOR GIRLS SOCCER
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WARRIOR SCHEDULE
posted nine points with four goals. “Emma is coming back and Gretchen played quite a bit last year,” Gmeinder said. “They’ll have expanded roles and we might move Lily DeRosier to midfield more. She can cover a lot of ground. “It’s been an interesting camp because we don’t have a set system. This is a new team. We have to figure out what the strengths of this team are and how do we get the most out of them. As midfielders, you have good speed and fitness and be able to move in tight spaces with the ball. You have opponents in front of you and behind you all of the time. You have to pick up the pass quickly and find the open teammate and decide whether
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to make the simple pass or try the dangerous penetrating pass.” Brainerd’s defense is back and intact. Senior captain Cally Robertson will lead the foursome of Molly Hagelie, Molly Pohlkamp and Allie Dwyer. Eva Oium, Grace Holcomb-Smith, Grace Ruopp and Elsie Johnson will back up. “That’s good as we transition into a sort of new goalie,” Gmeinder said. “Just to have that crew coming back, their communication is so good.
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That will be a huge asset. They have experience, but I think their skill sets balance each other very well. They’re all really fast kids. Molly Hagelie isn’t afraid to move up and be part of the attack where Allie is a drop-back and cover typer player. They really balance each other well.” The sort of new goalie is Gracelyn Dickinson who was on the team two years ago, moved to Watertown and has returned. Her return is fortuitous as returning goalie Pey-
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ton LeMieur is dealing with a back injury and is not on the roster. Backup goalie Breya Sawyer decided not to go out. “She started a number of games for us two years ago before she moved away and now she’s back,” Gmeinder said. “The goalie situation wasn’t looking good but to have Gracelyn move back the girls have known her since they were young and there is a comfort level there.” As stated before the goal for this team is state. Looking to prevent that will be Rogers, who Brainerd opens the season against Saturday, Aug. 27. Elk River also brings back a good squad. Those two played in last year’s Section 8-2A title game. But Gmeinder sees confidence in his team. There is a swagger. “With so many returners you worry training camp won’t be as competitive,” Gmeinder said. “We’ve talked about what happened at the end of last year and we know we have a lot of returners and we have the ability, but we need to continuously keep getting better and compete. So far it’s been a very competitive preseason. Hopefully, that continues.” JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 8555856 or jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch. com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ jeremymillsop.
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