Kendall girls prep to defend soccer title

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Kendall girls varsity soccer team into the upcoming season are these veterans. In front are Maya Rutland, Taylor Rutland and Taylor ReQua. In back are Jenna Jacob, Tania Arellano, Kristen Jacob and Marison Hanlon.

Despite the loss of 10 seniors to graduation, the Kendall girls varsity soccer team returns a solid nucleus of seven regulars as the Lady Eagles prepare to defend their Genesee Region League Division 1 title.

A trio of G-R All-Stars including senior defender Kristen Jacob, junior forward Maya Rutland and junior midfielder Taylor Rutland head that veteran group. Maya Rutland had 15 goals and 9 assists last season and Taylor Rutland 3 goals and 3 assists.

Rounding out that veteran group of regulars are senior defender Tania Arellano, senior midfielder/forward Marissa Hanlon, junior midfielder Jenna Jacob and freshman midfielder Taylor ReQua who had 12 goals and 10 assists last season.

“We’re definitely optimistic. We’ve got a solid core of girls back,” said Coach Pam Beres whose Lady Eagles went 12-1-2 in G-R competition last fall and 15-2-2 overall advancing to the Section V Class CC finals.

The Lady Eagles also return junior defenders Mariah Ammerman and Amelia Patrick with varsity experience while senior midfielder Hannah Reynolds returns after not playing last year.

Kendall’s key losses to graduation include G-R All-Star midfielder Nicole Browe along with midfielder Toni ReQua defender Shelby Reis and goalies Kari Hurlbutt and Jordan Ammerman.

The Lady Eagles are scheduled to open their G-R season with road games at Pembroke (Sept. 4) and Attica (Sept. 9) before beginning a string of three straight home contests by hosting Byron-Bergen on Sept. 11.

“I think there will be strong competition in the G-R this season,” said Beres. “We’re prepared for a tough season and the girls are working very hard.”

Kendall’s Schedule

Sept. 4 – at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 – Alexander, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 – Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 – at Albion, 10 a.m.
Sept. 23 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 – Notre Dame ,4:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 – Holley, 3 p.m.
Sept. 29 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 – at Elba, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 – Attica, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.n.
Oct. 16 – at Holley, 6:30 p.m.