Pioneers have talented veterans returning from 10-9 team
Playing in the rough and tumble Suburban West Conference, it is hard to make a name for yourself.
But this year, Kirkwood could run with the big dogs because it has 16 returnees, including 12 seniors.
The Pioneers went 10-9 (5-3) last year with five games decided by a goal or penalty kick.
“We hope that with the experience we have coming back that we will turn some of those losses into victories,” Kirkwood coach Phil Cotta said. “Last year, we started off strong but fell flat so, hopefully, we won’t have a repeat performance of that.”
The Kirkwood defense, which allowed just 18 goals all season last year, will carry the team, especially early on.
Purdue signee Jordan Frick will lead the backfield. Frick is a returning all-conference selection who is talented and versatile enough to play anywhere.
Senior Jordan Hippisley is a three-time all-conference selection and will be the team’s sweeper and will anchor the backfield.
Between the pipes is senior Caroline Fletcher, who has signed to go to McKendree. Fletcher had a 0.90 goals against average last season while setting a school record with 11 shutouts. She also had 125 saves.
Katie Altenthal is another returning all-conference player.
In the midfield, sophomore Rachel Kibby is the team’s leading returning scorer with seven goals and two assists. Senior Paige Boyer, a second-team all-conference selection last season, scored six goals last season despite sitting out the final eight games due to an ankle injury. Boyer is currently ranked fifth all time for goals scored at Kirkwood.
“We may move Paige up a slot or two. We are really working on finishing and getting more goals,” Cotta said. “Our main focus is to jump start the offense.”
Cotta is impressed with the dedication the Pioneers have shown during the offseason.
“I think it comes down to the talent is there (and) we just have to believe in ourselves,” Cotta said. “But we are going to have to score if we are going to keep up with the top teams.”
The Pioneers start their season on Mar. 30 against Mehlville. Last season, the squad started off 7-1.
