Albion girls soccer squad returns plenty of experience

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Albion girls varsity soccer team this season will be this large group of returning regulars. In front are Alyce Miller, Emily Blanchard, Mikayla Yaskulski, Ellen Narburgh and Natalie DiCureia. In back are Shelby Restivo, Mariah Elsenheimer, Ally Page, Nikki Eldred, Vivian Rivers and Desiree Barber.

Boasting plenty of experience with no less than 11 returning regulars, including the top four scorers, Albion is looking to improve on last year’s 8-6 Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer record.

The Purple Eagles returnees include seniors Mariah Elsenheimer, Ally Page, Desiree Barber, Alyce Miller, Mikayla Yasklski and Ellen Narburgh along with juniors Nikki Eldred, Vivian Rivers, Emily Blanchard, Shelby Restivo and sophomore Natalie DiCureia.

Elsenheimer and Blanchard both earned first team N-O All-League honors while Yaskulski was an honorable mention selection.

Elsenheimer led Albion in scoring with 19 goals and 10 assists while Blanchard had 17 goals and 11 assists, Yaskulski 8 goals and 6 assists and Page 8 goals and 3 assists.

The Purple Eagles roster also includes juniors Catherine Thom, Katie Mann, Isabella Prest, sophomore Lizzy Baker and freshman Brylie Hapeman.

“We’ve got a good group back offensively both up front and at midfield but defensively we have some holes to fill,” said Coach Bruce Blanchard. “If we can get some defense we should be OK. We need some kids to step up there.”

Albion begins its N-O season on September 1 at Barker. The Purple Eagles will also be competing in the Kendall Tournament on September 10 and 12.

Albion’s Schedule

Sept. 1 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 2 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 8 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 10 and 12 – at Kendall Tournament
Sept. 14 – Akron, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 17 – CSAT, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 – Barker, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – at CSAT 10 a.m.
Oct. 14 – at Medina, 4:30 p.m.