PREP GIRLS' SOCCER PREVIEW: Mount Baker

Last year: 6-11, 6-7 NWC. Finished seventh in NWC. Lost Class 2A Northwest District Tournament play-in game.

Key players: Emily Hart (Sr., D), Lauren Frey (Jr., D), Jamie Stoothoff (Jr., MF/F); Ashley Lindsey (Jr., MF), Leah Ford (Jr., G), Molly Scoles (So., F)

Outlook: Many Northwest Conference coaches believe the Mountaineers could be the most improved team in the conference this year, and that's praise Grayum would love to see the team live up to. "I think we're definitely going to have a better team that last year," Grayum said. "Whether that plays out in the record remains to be seen." The Mounties did lose Elly Hagen, who led them in scoring the past three years. "We don't really have a proven goal scorer on this team right now," Grayum said. "People will score for us, but it remains to be seen who will step up and fill that role." Scoles (four goals, five assists) could be one option. Mount Baker, which has only two seniors on its roster and eight juniors, should be solid on defense with Ford in goal for the second year and Hart leading the backfield. Even though the Mountaineers are greatly improved, it will be hard to make up a lot of ground in a tough conference and district. Consider them the early frontrunner for the fifth and final 2A district spot.

ROSTER

No., Player, Yr., Pos.

1, Leah Ford, Jr., G

2, Jovanna Baisden, Jr., MF

3, Danielle Benson, Jr., F

4, Michael Urbano, Sr., F

5, Ella Salkeld, So., MF

6, Samantha Logan, Fr., MF

7, Maddie Brown, So., MF

8, Emily Hart, Sr., D

9, Kylee DeCook, Jr., D

10, Danielle Scott, Jr., D

11, Molly Scoles, So., F

12, Ashley Lindsay, Jr., MF

13, Lauren Frey, Jr., D

15, Kylie Garrison, Fr., F

16, Ashley Putman, Fr., D

18, Jamie Stoothoff, Jr., F

SCHEDULE

Sept. 9, Lynden Christian , 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 11, at Bellingham (at WCC), 6 p.m.

Sept. 13, Lynden , 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 16, Squalicum*, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 18, at Burlington-Edison*, 6 p.m.

Sept. 23, at Lynden (at Bender Fields)*, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 24, Bellingham*, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 30, at Lynden Christian (at Bender Fields)*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 2, Mount Vernon*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 7, Ferndale*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 9, at Nooksack Valley (at Nooksack Elementary)*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 14, at Meridian*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 16, Sehome*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 21, at Sedro-Woolley (at Janicki Fields)*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23, Anacortes*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 27, Blaine* , 4:30 p.m.