A-J girls’ soccer coach expects improvements

Anna-Jonesboro High  School girls’ soccer head coach Mike Mibb has something this spring on the 2010 squad that he hasn’t seen in the first six seasons of the sport at the school.

“We’ve got enough girls out to push people for playing time,” Mibb said. “Now, they have to earn a spot no matter what class they are.”

The Lady Wildcats finished 4-12-1 overall last season and Mibb is looking for improvement.

“I’d be very disappointed if we don’t win eight games,” Mibb said. “I expect to win 50 percent of our games, if not more.”

Seniors returning from last season are middle fielder/forward Brooke Bittle, and defenders Julia Hayward, Sarah Frankland-Searby and Barbie Finstad.

Juniors in the mix are middle fielder/defender Ashley Kendrick, middle fielders Lauren Johnson and Samantha Coleman and goalkeeper Danyell Hale. A new junior prospect is backfield defender Kayla Brokaw.

Sophomores expected to contribute are forward/midfielder Cortni Hicks, middle fielder/defender Valerie Pender.  A new sophomore is forward/middle fielder Taylor Carstens.

Hicks is the leading scorer returning from last year’s squad.

“Our sophomores are going to be very good,” Mibb said. “I’m really pleased with our freshmen class, too. We have some very good talent.”

Freshmen who could see varsity playing time are versatile player Ashton Crews, utility players Katie Grant, Jenna Ribbing and Jenna Collier, middle fielder/defenders Katie Whiteside, Katie McIntyre and Kim Mixen, goalkeeper Kat Gerharz, forward Allison Conner and forward/middle fielder Timbre Craig.

Mibb said Gerharz has been looking good in practice at goalkeeper.

“It should be a very rewarding season,” Mibb said.

The Lady Wildcats open their season in the Metro Cup Tournament at Belleville against Freeburg Friday, March 19.

“Freeburg is going to be a big test for us,” Mibb said. “We lost twice to them last season. We’re going to surprise some people this season.”

A-J’s first home game is against Sikeston, Mo., Thursday, April 1.

Assistant coaches are Mark Boomer and Gene Crosser.