The Fairbanks varsity girls soccer team is pictured from left front row, Ava Orders, Meghan Wenger, Kinley Green, Madi Cook, Avery Groves, Brynne Stanley, Kate Coy, Kate Ruff and Addie Thrush; second row, Abby Wurster, Gracie Pyers, Anna Poling, Lillian Miller, Macy Miller, Madeline Conroy, Rebecca Dean, Elaina Lahmers and Molly Olson. Not pictured, Carly Lehman. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
Fairbanks’ girls soccer team returns 16 lettermen from a team that finished with an overall record of 11-6-1 during the 2019 campaign.
The Lady Panthers were fourth in the Ohio Heritage Conference with a 7-2 mark.
Returning lettermen include senior defenders Molly Olson and Madeline Conroy and midfielders Meghan Wenger and Lillian Miller.
Other veterans include juniors Avery Groves (keeper), midfielder Anna Poling and defenders Kate Ruff, Brynne Stanley and Gracie Pyers.
Sophomores who earned varsity letters during the 2019 campaign include forwards Elaina Lahmers and Ellie Carter, midfielders Ava Orders, Rebecca Dean and Macy Miller and defenders Kate Coy and Carly Lehman.
Newcomers who will bolster the roster include sophomore forwards Addie Thrush and Kinley Green and freshmen Madi Cook (keeper) and defender Abby Wurster.
“All of our returning letter winners bring a core of varsity playing minutes,” said head coach Randy Spain.
The veteran FHS boss said the only concern surrounding his team involves the coronavirus pandemic.
Soccer teams were not permitted to conduct preseason scrimmages this year because of COVID-19.
“My only concern is not having the opportunity to play other schools over the summer,” said Spain. “That leaves us with no real gauge of varsity playing minutes.”
Despite the lack of summer scrimmages, the Panther boss feels his squad can compete for an Ohio Heritage Conference North Division title.
“I believe we will fight for the top spot along with West Liberty-Salem and Greeneview,” he said.
Spain said his squad’s goals for the 2020 campaign are to play a full season amid the virus, stay healthy and “play good soccer.”