Monett eyeing Big 8 success in rebuilding year

By Jared Lankford monettsports@gmail.com

Goals are set high for the Monett girls soccer team this season.

The Lady Cubs are coming off a 5-14 season and will need to rebuild after graduation hit the team hard.

“We are in a rebuilding year after last year losing a number of key players and seniors,” said Neil Bluel, Monett girls soccer coach. “We are looking to rebuild at the goalie position, so we will be trying out players there before the season starts.”

The Lady Cubs will be lead by a quartet of returning players. Anahi Aguirre, midfielder, is a senior with the most experience. Bluel will count on her ability to set the tone for the team.

Anny Inman, defender, will be the backbone for the Lady Cubs’ back wall.

Up top, Monett will look to Lilliana Merida at forward.

“As a junior, Lilliana has matured into a good player and probably the best with the ball on her foot that we have,” Bluel said. “Milly Villa, a senior defender, will also be help us out with the solid defensive lineup for us this year.”

Even in a rebuilding year, Bluel believes his team has a shot at success.

“We have a good chance at trying for a conference championship this year,” He said. “We have a smaller field of teams and play each team twice so we will be able to see what they have to offer the first time around and adjust.”

The Lady Cubs have several new faces that could see the field this season.
“We have a number of freshman and new players to the team,” Bluel said. “We haven’t had much time to evaluate them, but seeing what we have so far, there are a few that could get some varsity time. 

“Having the number of seniors we do allows us to set up some mentor-mentee situations within the team and aids in the dynamics on and off the field for these players.”

Monett opens the season at home March 24 against Neosho.