GIRLS’ SOCCER PREVIEW: Breakers look to rebuild

The Laguna Beach High girls’ soccer program is looking forward to an exciting season.

So says Coach Bill Rolfing, whose squad will face a competitive schedule full of nonleague and tournament challenges in the coming months.

Laguna lost 13 players to graduation in June but has a solid nucleus of seven key players back who have plenty of experience at both the prep and club levels.

The returnees include senior defenders Holden Penney and Maddy Arteburn and senior goalie Lura Hills. Junior defenders Kelsey Peterson, Jessee Goodman and Christina Gardilcic, along with junior midfielder Alex DeGarmo, round out a group of players who helped the Breakers post a 9-9-5 overall record last year.

Joining the varsity ranks this year in defense and midfield will be seniors Sarah Sampson, Casey Stearns, Shannon Orias and Mari Rawlings.

“The experience of these four hardworking girls will be perfect for the team style play,” Rolfing said, adding, “Formatting a successful midfield and high scoring offense will be the work of a host of new and exciting talent who complete the 2008-09 team.”

Those players completing the varsity roster are senior forwards Maya Butler and Victoria French, striker and Dana Hills transfer Erica Hawkins, Samantha Kafer and Alex Williamson.

A pair of juniors who also are transfers, sophomores Kelsey Rustigian and Jenny Maddox and freshman Marina Paul, all add to Laguna’s midfield strength.

“This is a big rebuild year for the varsity,” said Rolfing, who will be assisted by Jennifer Lundblad.

“We are pleased with the balance of new players that have embraced the Breakers’ passing style game.

“Defending with confidence and then working hard to link passes forward, under pressure, will be the key to the team’s success this year.”