LAKEVILLE - Following a 11-7 campaign in 2024 and the loss of seven players, LaVille opens the new season with a mix of eight letterwinners and 11 newcomers. LaVille girls head soccer coach Kevin Christy returns, assisted by Angie Dunlap and Zak Tyler. "Replacing 7 starters is obviously a very hard task," said Christy.  "The outgoing class bought into what we were trying to teach last season. You can see their leadership transfer over to the returning upperclassmen this summer." A couple of factors that play a key role for the Lancers are the loss of the #1 and #2 scorers, to go with other key pieces that helped the 2024 LHS unit to a Class 1A Argos Sectional championship. "No matter what classes are coming in or what players remain, losing your #1 and #2 scorer (Mikalah Kuskye and Mackena Deason) is challenging," said Christy, who is 23-22-1 in his fourth season at LaVille.  "Losing the center of your defense (Ava Barrett-Heaton), a very strong midfielder (Reagan Mitchell), and extremely willing utility players (Brooke Edison and Paula Oneca) massively compounds your problem.  "With that being said, it is the nature of high school sports. Players need to learn the lessons and adopt the work ethic of the players who are graduating out of the program. Our outgoing players did a great job of leaving a tradition of hard work and dedication to Lancer Athletics. Our girls watched them and learned what it takes to compete at a high level. The upperclassmen are up for the challenge. " Among those back are seniors Kelsi Andert, Macie Edwards, and Claire Wainscott. "Macie has embraced her role as a team leader," noted Christy.  "She has been naturally soft-spoken around the team, but so far this season she has really found her voice as a leader. It has been great to watch her take charge, set up drills, and push the underclassmen." Also among letterwinners are juniors Kenzie Kahle, Morgan Schmidt, and Markin. Sophomores Madelynne Geraghty and Sydney Williams also return for LHS. As the Lancer girls soccer team prepares for the upcoming season, Christy has been pleased with the product he sees. "The early portion of the season has all been about effort," summarized Christy. " The kids have been putting in the effort at a high level. From the first day until now, improvement is very easy to see. Each and every player has improved skill-wise and in their leadership qualities. " Christy's crew won its first four matches of the season in 2024, then packed together a 6-2 mark to close the season that included a 1A sectional title, their first since 2017. In 2025, nine of the 11 newcomers are freshmen, and Christy is energized by the rookie class. "This freshman class is very enthusiastic,"  said the Lancer skipper. "There isn't a shortage of effort or desire to get better from that class. They will be a very big part of the team this season. With 19 players on the roster, nine of those freshmen, it will be an "all hands on deck" season. They are all ready for the roles they will play. They will also all continue to grow as athletes this season." As we closed our time, we asked the LaVille coach about keys to success, expectations and goals. "The hope is that our team will be relentless in their preparation and effort. If they get to work with that in mind, that will be the key to our success.  Our expectations as coaches is to compete at a high level in every game we play. "The goals are directly tied to the expectations: If we compete at a high level, with 100% effort, the wins and successes will come." LaVille will compete in the Indiana Northern State Conference this season, where they finished in a three-way tie for second at 2-2 with Bremen and John Glenn in 2024. LHS will open the 2025 regular season against Westville on August 19 at  Newton Park.  The match is scheduled for a 5:30 pm start. The Lancers will follow with a five-match road trip to Rochester (Aug 21), Argos (Aug 28), Manchester Invitational (Aug 30), and Mishawaka (Sept 2).  The Lancers will open a four-match homestand, with three matches against INSC foes.  LaVille opens loop play with Tippecanoe Valley (Sept 4), followed by a non-conference battle with neighbor Plymouth (Sept 6), then two straight conference matches against defending INSC champ Jimtown (Sept 9) and Bremen (Sept 11).  Coach Christy's club closes the season with a home match against South Bend Riley (Sept 18), and a road contest at Culver Community (Sept 24).  The 2025 Indiana Northern State Conference Championships begin September 25, and will conclude with the semifinal and final rounds on September 27.  The final match of the regular seaso is scheduled at West Noble on September 30. Lancer girls soccer will participate in the IHSAA Class 1A state tournament. The sectional round is scheduled to be played at Argos High School Oct. 6, 7, 9, and 11, and will include the host Dragons, Culver Community, LaVille, Manchester, Oregon-Davis, and Rochester. LAVILLE LANCERS Head Coach: Kevin Christy (23-22-1 in 4th season) Assistant Coaches: Angela Dunlap, Zak Tyler 2024 Record: 11-7 (2-2 INSC) | Argos Sectional Champions Letterwinners Lost (7): Mackena Deason, Brooke Edison, Ava Barrett-Heaton, Mikalah Kuskye, Sydney Miller, Paula Oneca, Reagan Mitchell Letterwinners Returning (8): Seniors - Kelsi Andert, Macie Edwards, Claire Wainscott. Juniors - Kenzie Kahle, Denni Markin, Morgan Schmidt. Sophomores - Madelynne Geraghty, Sydney Williams. Newcomers (11): Sophomore - Kailey Hicks, Grace McBride. Freshman - Macie Aschenbrenner, Makenna Christy, Allie Gorka, Leena Karkiewicz, Baleigh Lowery, Lexi McQueen, Madison Mishler, Reagan Strang, Chesney Van Tornhout Opener:  Aug. 17 v. Westville at Newton Park, 5:30pm