Team set to battle in rough and tumble NBL
The Lady Jaguars will be battle tested and ready as the fall soccer season gets underway next week.
The Jags will open the fall schedule in the Arcata Tournament on Sept. 2-3, followed by participation in the Ukiah Tournament on Sept. 9-10. Windsor will open the North Bay League season at home on Sept. 13 versus Maria Carrillo.
Windsor is coming off an outstanding 2015 campaign under veteran head coach Mark Archambault, one which featured a slow start but a strong finish. The team ended last season winning eight of its last 11 games, including NCS playoff victories over Piner and Analy before falling to perennial power Montgomery in the semifinals to finish a great year at 11-10-1.
The 2016 Jags will feature a solid nucleus of eight returning veterans, including a strong back-line with second team all-league goalie Briana Davis, first-team all-league defender Kim Rosas, and seasoned defenders Emily Williman and Madi Baer.
Returning offensive players are Katie Bianchi and Maria Olivera, with veteran Gillian Day defending the midfield stripe. Also returning is speedy Maddie Call, who will contribute on both offense and defense.
Windsor will benefit from an infusion of 12 first-year varsity players, including one senior, two juniors, eight sophomores and one freshman.
As usual, the Jaguars will navigate a treacherous path in the North Bay League, a brutal schedule that features home and away games against nationally ranked powers Maria Carrillo and Montgomery.
“What this team lacks in experience is made up for with good technical skills, speed and commitment to each other,” Archambault said. “I think we’ll surprise a lot of people this year. We expect to be in the top four again in the NBL and make post season play.”
