Lynden Christian Lyncs girls’ soccer preview | Bellingham Herald

Coach: Brent De Ruyter

Last year: 12-6-2 overall, 7-4-1 NWC (sixth place). Finished with 58 goals scored against 31 allowed, defeating Mount Baker and South Whidbey in the 1A Northwest District playoffs to earn a spot in tri-district. The Lyncs would fall in their tri-district opener against Cedar Park Christian 3-2, ending their season.

Players to watch: Sara Dougan (Sr., D), Daphnee Manderson (Sr., GK), Colee Van Weerdhuizen (Sr., D)

Outlook: Lynden Christian is in a state of rebuilding, sort of, considering De Ruyter lost 10 seniors to graduation last year. “We knew our work was cut out for us, and our kids knew that,” De Ruyter said in a phone interview. “A lot of them had a great offseason and played a lot of soccer during the summer.” Defensively, the Lyncs return their starting center back, 6-foot-3 Dougan, as well as keeper Manderson, providing the young group with some strong leadership in the back. Dougan, in particular, with her size and strength, will lead the group. “It’s amazing just the composure she has and her skill level for someone her size,” De Ruyter said. “It’s uncanny. You just don’t see that very often.”