LAKEVILLE, IN. - First-year LaVille girl's soccer coach Brandon Shafer is asking the 2022 edition of Lancer Soccer to grow up early. Following the loss of seven seniors, including the top two scorers from the 2022 season, Shafer says this group is ready. "Having not coached them last year, it’s hard to give specifics," said the LaVille skipper. "But anytime you lose seven seniors, it’s always going to be difficult to replace that kind of loss. We are going to need to rebuild quickly to be competitive this season. The girls we have now are up to the challenge." Shafer took over the girls team after roaming the sidelines for the LaVille boys team. "I was excited when the opportunity presented itself," explained Shafer. "The girls program has always been strong here and I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve coached girls for most of my time, so I think I know how to communicate in a way that works for them. Also, when you have a coaching moment with girls they (most of the time) have their full attention on what you’re saying and then go out and execute it. Boys, not always true." Leading a long list of letterwinners - 14 to be exact - is senior goalkeeper Heaylyn Kwiatkowski. She collected 154 saves last season and four shutouts. "We are fortunate to have a GK of Heaylyn’s caliber," said Shafer. "Her skills are only rivaled by her great attitude and work ethic. She demands the best from her teammates and isn’t afraid to coach them up when necessary. We will rely on her to keep us ahead in close games and we have no doubt that she will." According to Shafer, the defensive backline must remain strong to help Kwiatkowski out in goal. "Our starting backline is going to have to play sound defense," said Shafer of senior returning letterwinners Lauren Edison and juniors Riley Aschenbrenner, London Kwiatkowski and Anna Medina. "While the midfield and forwards learn to possess the ball at a higher rate, these four will be under pressure. They looked very strong in the scrimmage against Argos, so we’re looking forward to seeing them grow as a unit as the season progresses." Sophomore Mikalah Kuskye will be asked to help fill the graduation loss of LaVille's top two scorers - Kassi Watts and Kylie Gorka. "Mikalah will play a big role in our success this season," said Shafer. "Her ability to gain possession and create plays is fun to watch. We are working on a new formation that will put her in a position to succeed." Shafer got an early glimpse of the 2022 Lancer soccer team in a scrimmage against Argos Saturday. "We had solid play from the rest of the midfield and forwards in the scrimmage," Shafer noted. "as well and hope to see them continue to grow and learn in a pass first kind of formation." When asked about the biggest challenge of the season for his squad, Shafer said, "The biggest challenge this season will be the schedule we have. We are on the road for 10 games this season, not to mention the opponents we face. With teams like (South Bend) Adams, Elkhart, Trinity, Argos and others like them on the schedule, we will have to play our very best in order to compete. The nice thing about a tough schedule is that it will only make us better going into the post season tournament."LaVille played eight teams with a winning record in 2021 and came away with a 3-5 record. "The biggest key for this season will be whether or not we can overcome adversity," said Shafer. "Whether that’s giving up a goal in a game, an injury, or as small as playing a position that is new to us, how we react is going to play a big part in the outcome. Every player has to do what’s best for the team and has to put the team above themselves. If we can do that, we believe we will be a tough team to beat. "Our goal this season is to compete for a sectional championship," continued Shafer. "Without a conference to play in, we can use every game as a stepping stone to reach that goal. It’s going to take hard work and dedication to get there, but we think we have what it takes." LAVILLE GIRLS SOCCER Coach: Brandon Shafer (First Season) Assistants: Angie Dunlap, Jim Nace 2021 Overall Record: 5-6-2 overall Letterwinners Lost: 7 - Lauren Thompkins, Kassi Watts, Abby Leonhard, Ellie Snyder, Kylie Gorka, Lauren Dove, Kenna Tribbey Letterwinners Returning: 14 - Seniors: Myra Garcia, Heaylyn Kwiatkowski, Lauren Edison, Maria Sheridan. Juniors: Rylie Aschenbrenner, Anna Medina, London Kwiatkowski. Sophomores - Mikalah Kuskye, Brooke Edison, Haley Andert, Ava Barrett-Heaton, Mackena Deason, Reagan Mitchell, Sydnee Miller. Newcomers: 3 - Kelsi Andert, Kylah Bell, Macie Edwards. Opener: v. South Bend Adams, Aug. 16, 5 p.m. Newton Park.