Defensive wall, veteran leadership set tone for Norwayne girls soccer

There is a lot to like about this year’s Norwayne girls soccer team.

They are a year older, have Maddy Kate Wolf and Carrie Graham back on the backline and have a healthy Madicyn Rupp. They also return the Wayne County Athletic League’s best and arguably the area’s best goalkeeper in Morgan Hamby. With the plan to play Rupp on the backline as well, that’s a wall that opponents will have to figure out.

“Madicyn (Rupp) is coming back from an ACL tear her sophomore year,” said Bobcats coach Jason Zimmerly. “She was still getting in the groove last season and trying to find a place but has taken her game to an entirely new level this season. Her poise, abilities and IQ have helped us create a very organized and staunch defensive unit.

“MK (Maddy Kate Wolf) has a motor that doesn't stop, and a grit that doesn't allow her to get beat. I'm looking for these two to really have an outstanding year.”

Then there is Hamby, who plays with all heart, shows incredible command of her box, makes decisive reads and simply makes plays. A year ago, Hamby finished with a 1.32 goals-allowed-average and had an 84.5 save percentage as she established herself as one of the area’s best.

“She now has two seasons under her belt,” said Zimmerly. “She's added an ability to get more involved in the game and distribute the ball.”

The biggest area of improvement heading into the season is the play in the midfield, where Zimmerly believes they can control the game. With senior Kaylee Graham and sophomore Casee Schaffer, Norwayne has a pair of formidable players in the midfield that gives them some length and speed to counteract what opponents will throw at them.

“Our midfield is going to be huge in helping our defensive unit shut teams down by their defensive effort,” said Zimmerly. “Their ability to control the ball and sustain attacks will also be huge for us.”

Offensively, Norwayne returns Courtney Cline (sophomore) and Alanna Bauman (senior), who finished two and three a year ago among the team’s scoring leaders. Cline tallied 10 goals and had two assists, and Bauman finished with eight goals and had two assists for the ‘Cats.

Sprinkle in impact freshmen Mya Rupp, Piper Moore and Ryenn Urban, and things are looking bright for Norwayne this fall.

“We have a great mixture of experience and youth,” said Zimmerly. “A lot of skill at every position, which allows us to give different looks without missing a beat, and we have players with a high soccer IQ.

“That will allow us to defend at every level while also allowing us to move the ball quickly and efficiently.”

As for the style of play Zimmerly is looking for this fall.

“We’re going to be an aggressive, attacking team,” he said. “We will be organized and disciplined defensively, and we should have great balance.”