Scotus Women's Soccer Eye Returns to State

The Scotus Central Catholic girls soccer team will return to the field Friday, looking to make even more progress as they return to Omaha for the state tournament.

After losing in overtime in the state quarterfinals, the Shamrocks bring in a new defenseman and goaltender with no seniors on this year's team, returning most of their production up top and in the midfield.

“These girls have been working hard. They're all positive. We realized they have a lot of speed, and we just have to control that speed and gel things together,” Scotus head coach Kristi Brzenski said. ” he said. “Some of these guys have been playing together since they were young, and now that they're freshmen, sophomores and juniors, they have a lot to learn. They can only get better. And we have a whole year and another year to get better.”

Leading scorer and distributor Libby Brzezenski graduated, but Scotus has a lot of strength in juniors Emma Brzenski and Izzy Cadaby and sophomore Mia Fehringer.

Emma had six goals and one assist before suffering a season-ending injury. Cadaby was back as the top scorer with 18 goals and six assists. In his first high school season, Fehringer scored seven goals and recorded four assists.

“Freshman year is really a building year, and you learn so many new things. It’s very experimental, so you just carry over everything you learn,” Fehringer said. “Coming back from last year, I put everything in my head. It has a big impact on and off the field and during the game. It was fun playing with a lot of people in the winter. Just going out on the field. , just know you're the best player and hold on to it and just keep going.”

Scotus features three starting pitchers and a defense that has graduated from goaltender Faith Weber, so they will rely on forwards and midfielders early in the season.

“I think communication is important and it's a bond. You have to trust that your teammates know how to do their job and are going to do it to the best of their ability,” Emma said. said. “Also, keep helping them and encouraging them, because a lot of mistakes are going to happen, and you have to work through it. Your teammates are going to be behind you the whole time.”

The Shamrocks will rely on a young and inexperienced backline and goalie this season.

“We kind of know we don't have to take the ball away, we just have to make sure that when they make a mistake we can keep the ball and find the transition to get it back,” Christie said. Ta. “As long as they know to just keep them in front…you don't have to go in and stab them, you don't necessarily have to steal the ball. Just keep them in front and take the next pass.”

Junior Caitlin Pensic will take a new step after playing defense the past two seasons.

“It's been good. I didn't get a lot of coverage last year, so this year I'm just working hard to get a feel for it on the field,” Pensic said. “I feel like this year is going to be a good year because we can work together and pass and work with the ball. Just working a lot on passing practice, shooting, preparing for corners. Just getting the best angle for the goal and doing the job. Just do it” with the team. ”

Among the backline defenders are freshman Emmelyn Caban, sophomores Kate Hoffman and Sophia Langan, and junior Meer Sackett.

“It's been really good. Me and Kate[Hoffman]will be center backs, so we just have to improve our communication skills,” Caban said. “I’ve played Columbus club soccer and I’ve played at other clubs as well, which gave me some defensive skills.”

Scotus will be tested immediately upon his return Friday in a road match at Bennington in the state qualifier.

The Shamrocks will also face reigning state runner-up Norris, state qualifier Elkhorn North and Class A Millard North this season.

“They have big goals. They obviously want to get to state,” Christie said. “It's a really tough schedule this year, so it'll be fun to get through it and see how far we can get. Just use those games as something to build on to where we want to get to at the end of the season. .”

Scotus is aiming for its fourth consecutive state appearance and first state title since 2002.

“I think we just played through the ups and downs,” Emma said. “Obviously we’re going to have a tougher schedule and more downs than we did last year, but I think we can come together and pretty much overcome them.”