Memorial girls set to defend A South title

JACKSON - With a roster loaded with experienced upperclassmen, Jackson Memorial High School girls soccer coach Drew Gibson is optimistic about his chances of once again being one of the top programs in the A South division of the Shore Conference.

As defending A South champions, the Lady Jaguars have lost just one senior to graduation. Gone is Kristen DeMuth, a four-year starter who Gibson said will be missed. However, Gibson returns most of his starting lineup from last season. They are stronger, faster and savvier, he said.

"Our strength this year is definitely our experience and leadership," Gibson said. "We have a real solid core of players coming back. These girls have been teammates now for the past couple of years. We have high expectations for this group to perform well. They have looked very good in the preseason. We're anxious for the games to begin."

Jackson finished with a 13-5 overall record last year. The Jags earned berths into both the Shore Conference and state tournaments. After reaching the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference event, Jackson was eliminated in the opening round of the state tournament. Gibson hopes to improve his squad's postseason play.

"The last couple of years we have done very well in the regular season," Gibson said. "However, our performance in the postseason could have been better. We've been in plenty of big games and the girls know what to expect. Now we have to play better when we reach the playoffs."

Leading the Jags into the 2007 campaign, which starts next Friday against Lacey Township, are seniors Jordan Bunch, Kelly Lyons, Kierstyn Mabey, Kayla Beauduy and Kim Menafra.

"This group has a ton of experience and are doing a great job of showing leadership qualities," Gibson said. "All of them have been working very hard."

Other returnees include seniors Kristyn Lehman, Elyse Fisher and Brittany Calabro along with juniors Carly Lages, Briann Bradley, Marisa Zayac and Shannon Watt. Sophomores Dana Costello, Sam Lyon and Mikie Bradley all should play significant roles during the season. Costello was one of the team's leading scorers as a freshman. Along with Bunch, they are expected to shoulder a lot of the scoring.

"They both had great seasons last year," Gibson said. "They are both capable of putting the ball in the net. In addition, we have a number of other players who should be able to help out in the goals-scoring department."

Newcomer freshman Kim Clemner has made quite an impression in the preseason as a defender. Gibson cited his team's defense as another key strength.

"We're not going to allow a lot of scoring opportunities," Gibson said. "We are a very sound defensive team. We do a good job of marking up and limiting scoring chances. That will be a huge key to our success."

- Mike White