Lady Rams prepping for key N-O opener

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Roy-Hart varsity soccer team include, in front, Alexis Capen, Kaitlin Mettler, Allie Trombley, Ali Ausman and Emily Duewiger. In back are Nina Santos, Macie Sidor, Maria Trombley, Kylie Churchill, Haylie Hillburn and Ruth Walker.

Anchored by a large veteran group, Roy-Hart is prepping for a huge Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer season opening game at defending champion Wilson on September 10.

Roy-Hart and Wilson have battled for the N-O title each of the last four years. The teams shared the championship in both 2020 and 2022. Roy-Hart captured the title in 2021 with Wilson in the runner-up spot. Then last year Roy-Hart finished second in the title race a game behind champion Wilson.

Leading the Lady Rams veteran contingent are seniors Kaitlin Mettler (Midfield/Forward) and Allie Trombley (M) who both earned first team N-O All-League honors along with senior Ali Ausman (Defender) and junior Kylie Churchill (M) who were both second team honorees and junior Macie Sidor (D) and sophomore Maria Trombley (M/F) who were both Honorable Mention selections. Mettler had 22 goals and 8 assists and Trombley 10 goals last season.

The Lady Rams also return experience in seniors Emily Duewiger (D) and Alexis Capen along with juniors Jaylie Hillburn (D) and Nina Santos (M) and freshman Ruth Walker (M/F).

“We return a lot and that is our strength,” said Coach Rich Jennings. “They know the system and what to expect so I think we should do well.”

Roy-Hart went 8-2 in the league and 10-6-1 overall last fall while Wilson won the N-O title with a 9-1 record.

Wilson is led by freshman forward Addison Elia who earned first tram All-League and Player of the Year honors along with second team honorees senior defender Mackenzie Elia and junior defender Bella Thrush. Addison Elia had 29 goals and 12 assists.