By Mike Wertman<br><a href="mailto:mike.wertman@journal-register.com">E-mail Mike</a>
Bolstered by a strong nucleus of 11 returnees, including five All-League honorees, the Albion High School girls varsity soccer squad is aiming to make a strong run at capturing a record seventh straight Niagara-Orleans championship this season.
Albion and Wilson currently share the record of capturing the title six years in a row. Wilson won the first six N-O titles from 1996 to 2001.
Senior forward Emilie Edwards, a first team N-O All-League selection last fall, heads that veteran group along with forward Taylor Armstrong and defender Rebecca Atwell, both juniors who earned second team honors, and senior defenders Zoe Moyer and Jenna Mrzywka, who were both honorable mention picks.
The Purple Eagles veteran contingent also includes seniors Baylee Hapeman (midfield) and Betsy McKenna (defender) along with juniors Maggie King (midfield), Rebecca Powley (forward), Yazmin Serafin (midfield) and Tyiler Tower (defender).
Edwards had 13 goals and 13 assists, Armstrong nine goals and Powley six goals last year.
“We’ve got a lot of returners” coach Bruce Blanchard said. “Our whole defense is back so I feel pretty confident there. We did lose a couple of key midfielders which will be big shoes to fill. If they step up, which I’m confident they will, we will be OK there so a lot will depend on how our midfield plays.”
Rounding out the Purple Eagles squad are juniors Shelby Sargent (goalie), Danielle Duenas (forward), Emily Bannister (midfield), Tiffany Curtis (midfield) and Sarah Connor (forward) along with sophomore Abby Edwards (midfield) and freshman Joyce LaLonde (midfield).
“I feel confident about this team,” Blanchard said. “We’ve got good senior leadership and I feel we’re just as talented as we’ve been.”
Albion visits Aquinas Sept. 9 in a non-league contest before opening its N-O title defense at rival Medina on Sept. 11.
The Purple Eagles claimed the N-O crown last fall with an 11-1 record and finished with an overall mark of 14-6.
