Five players to watch during the NWC girls’ soccer season

BROOKE BAKER

School: Bellingham

Year: Senior

Position: Forward

Outlook: Baker will play on the wing for the Red Raiders this season, coach Mark Wright said. She’ll be counted on for much of the scoring of the Red Raiders. She showed she was plenty capable last season, tallying 15 goals and three assists last season.

KIM DORR

School: Squalicum

Year: Senior

Position: Forward

Outlook: Kim Dorr may seem like she plays second fiddle to Kim Hazlett for the Storm, but the now-senior is just as talented. It’s clear watching any Storm game that Dorr is a must-mark player, and her 20 goals and seven assists last season prove it.

HALEY HOLLANDER

School: Lynden Christian

Year: Senior

Position: Midfielder

Outlook: Hollander was the anchor in the Lyncs’ offense last season, scoring 14 of the team’s 35 goals, and this year should be no different. The Lyncs should be stronger this season, and Hollander will likely match or improve on her tally mark from last season.

EMILY HOLT

School: Lynden

Year: Senior

Position: Goalkeeper

Outlook: Holt allowed just 16 balls past her last season, helping the Lions make a name for themselves as the second-best defense in the league. She’ll be the leader of yet another strong Lynden defense and likely has a chance at the all-state team.

RYLEY ZAPIEN

School: Meridian

Year: Junior

Position: Midfielder

Outlook: Meridian coach Terri Tigert said she hasn’t ever seen Zapien play as well as she has in practice early this season. Zapien will anchor the Trojans’ midfield this year and, with no seniors, be a strong leader, taking over for the absence of Lexi McKinnon.

This story was originally published September 5, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Five players to watch during the NWC girls’ soccer season."