Lady Raiders’ future promising after barely missing playoffs

The L.D. Bell Lady Raiders missed the high school soccer playoffs this season – barely.

But that, along with the experience 17 returning varsity players got this season, has coach Corey Rolf and his team already excited about the possibilities of the 2016 season.

“Better than last year even though we missed the playoffs, looking forward to next year,” Rolf said when asked to summarize his thoughts on the season now past and the future.

The Lady Raiders finished 8-10-3 overall and were 3-8-1 in the very challenging District 7-6A. However, they were in the running for a postseason berth right up to the very last game, a 2-1 loss to rival Trinity.

Had Bell won that game, the Lady Raiders and Lady Trojans would have finished tied in the standings – and Bell would have owned the tiebreaker by virtue of having swept the season series against their rivals. Bell won 1-0 at home in early February.

Instead, the Lady Raiders missed the postseason for only the second time in five seasons and only the fourth in the past decade. Prior to Rolf’s arrival 11 years ago, the Bell girls had not made the soccer postseason since 1995. Among his success are two area (second) round playoff appearances.

And while he, the Lady Raiders and their followers don’t want to get ahead of themselves, there is plenty of reason for optimism come next season. Topping the list is getting 10 starters back.

The list of returning starters include goalkeeper Shelby Franco, junior; defender Savannah Trevino, junior; defender Jordan Gilbert, junior; defender Courtney Kamerer, sophomore; midfielder Jennifer Nesbitt, junior; midfielder Maggie Rolf, sophomore; midfielder Erin Keohane, freshman; midfielder Sabrina King, junior; forward Megan Chapman, sophomore; and forward Savannah McGill, sophomore.

In all, the Lady Raiders’ 2015 roster featured only three seniors with nine juniors, four sophomores and four freshmen.

Chapman led the team in goals scored with 10, while McGill was second with four. Keohane led in assists with five, and Maggie Rolf added four.

While all-district honors have yet to be released for this season, several of those returning for the Lady Raiders have been all-district picks before this season. Gilbert and McGill were first-team selections last season, while Maggie Rolf made the second team and King garnered an honorable mention. Nesbitt was an honorable mention selection in 2013.

Many soccer players participate in club ball, and having the select team Hurst United nearby has helped the Bell soccer programs over the years. There’s also the Hurst United Soccer Association recreation program.

But most of all, Coach Rolf wants his players to stay active and find a place to play – and play and play. Nothing beats on-field experience, preferably in a competitive atmosphere, he said.

So, when asked what are the most important things his athletes can do before next season, Rolf did not hesitate: “Play as much as possible, get on a competitive team if they can afford it, come back to school in shape.”

This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Lady Raiders’ future promising after barely missing playoffs."