Good Morning! With the Border Country Sports Report, I'm Keith Harrington.
Blue Devils and Slaters Have High Hopes in Girls Soccer
Both the Poutney and Fair Haven girls soccer teams are coming off of solid seasons. With very few seniors graduating, an abundance of returning talent and their top offensive guns ready to run it back, the Blue Devils and the Slaters have very high hopes for 2021.
Poultney is a team that has been preapring for this moment for about the last three years. The Blue Devils' upper classmen have been playing together for what seems like forever. After taking baby steps each season, it may be time for Hannah Corkum's team to explode onto the scene.
Poultney lost to Rivendell in penalty kicks in last year's playoffs, and a huge reason they were so competitive in that contest was the play of goalie Kenzie Ezzo. The veteran Ezzo has become one of the best goalkeepers in the area.
The defense in front of Ezzo is led by Emily Handley and Georgia Donaldson. Emily McFadden, Jade Thomas, Hailey Hayes and Julie Farley will also play key roles in the Poultney backline.
The Blue Devils should have plenty of offense as scoring threats Kaitlyn DeBonis and Hannah Welch are back to lead the attack. Annaleice Taylor and Bella Mack should also play a part in the Poultney offense.
Courtney Ezzo is back to patrol the midfield.
Ericka Woodbury and Laura Winter are back for their senior campaigns and will help provide leadership to the squad.
Six miles down the road Fair Haven should be a state title contender. After garnering a three seed in Division II in 2021, the Slaters drop down to Division III and bring a stable of talented players with them. All but two players are back from last year's 10-3-2- team.
Fair Haven features two of the most explosive scorers in the state in sisters Brittney Love and Elizabeth Love. Brittney is a senior and Elizabeth a freshman. Brittney had 22 goals and 20 assists in 2021. Elizabeth added 11 goals and 10 assists.
Junior Lily Briggs and freshman Madison Perry will also help form what expects to be a potent Slater scoring combo.
Sophomore Kate Hadwen returns to protect the goal. With her first year at the position for the varsity in the books Hadwen should be much improved.
Ella Kuehn is back to lead the backline for Fair Haven. Holly Gannon could also be part of the defense.
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With the Border Country Sports Report, I'm Keith Harrington.
