The Mountlake Terrace girls soccer team didn’t have to spend much time getting to know each other.
The Hawks bring back 13 players from a year ago, including senior Miranda Hanson, a first-team, all-Western Conference South Division goalkeeper. Joining Hanson to anchor what could be one of the top defenses in the league is senior defender Melissa Horton.
This is the fourth season on varsity for both Hanson and Horton. Barring injury, Hanson will become the only Mountlake Terrace player in school history to play every single game since her freshman year.
“Every year she continues to grow as a player and become more of a leader,” Hawks head coach Jerry Myers said. “It’s her second year being team captain. She’s really taking control. She’s just a wonderful person to have around.”
Hanson saw time in the field in Mountlake Terrace’s 9-0 rout over Lynnwood last week. Myers expects to move Hanson out of goal a few more times this season in order to give backup goalkeeper Kayla Medlock some experience.
“Miranda requested that she be out in the field,” Myers said. “She really enjoys it.”
Two other defensive players who return are juniors Libby Bradley and Kelsie Raunio.
“It’s a great group to have back there,” Myers said.
The offense is led by junior Laurelle LaCasse, last season’s top scorer. Sophomore Kylie Hollenbeck and senior Megan McGuire also are expected to play key roles in the offense.
The three each have different strengths. LaCasse gives Mountlake Terrace good speed up front, while McGuire possesses a powerful strong shot. Hollenbeck is a solid post-up player.
“Each one has a different role when they go in,” Myers said. “Not only is this our most experienced group, it’s one of our best passing teams. We had good control. The girls are really connecting with each other.
“We feel pretty good about this year. We’re definitely hoping to quality for the playoffs.”
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