JHS girls open at home tonight

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Sun file photo / John M. Steiner Abby Wanzek (left) will hold down a forward position for the Jamestown High School soccer team as they open the season tonight when they host Mandan at 7 p.m. at Rotary Field.

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Numbers are up for the Jamestown High School girls’ soccer program.

Of course it pales in comparison to the monster rosters of the Bismarcks, Centurys and Mandans of the world. But with over 30 girls out, albeit a very youthful contingent, there is reason for optimism for coach Ryan Kleinknecht.

“With as young as we are it’s hard to really know what to expect,” the second-year coach said. “We have good leadership from our seniors and that should help quite a bit.”

He also likes the team’s attitude and willingness to work.

“This year it’s a totally different group. Their work ethic is a step above where it was last year,” Kleinknecht said. “They have a very positive attitude. The team is meshing really well together and has good chemistry.”

Gone is 3-time all-state performer Jenae Dabill, off to NDSU, but there are familiar names to build around.

Senior Riley Spenningsby will anchor the defensive third from her sweeper spot. Fellow seniors Carly Nelson and Molly Witthauer will play key roles in the back and midfield, while Carissa Finck should be as solid in goal as she was on the ice.

Abby Wanzek will lead the attack up front. Youngsters Sarah Macleod (8th-grader) and Marissa Drenth (freshman) are just two of the youngsters Kleinknecht plans to sprinkle in.

“We have a good mix. We’ll have some challenges, but we think we’ll be able to work through them during the season,” he said.

There are no easy nights in the West Region and that starts tonight against Mandan. The Braves have enough girls out for two full JV teams, which is not uncommon in the West Region.

“It’s tough competition, we all know that, but we’re taking a positive approach and our girls are going to work hard and we’ll keep improving,” Kleinknecht said. “We’re optimistic and ready to get the season started.”

Jamestown High School girls’ soccer

Coach: Ryan Kleinknecht (2nd year)

2011 record: 1-7-2

2012 Roster: Carly Nelson, Sr.; Jessica Azure, Fr.; Brianna Wolf, Soph.; Morgan Huber, Jr.; Lexi Kleven, Fr.; Abby Wanzek, Jr.; Sarah Macleod, 8th; Alyssa Barnick, Soph.; Christina Radi, Jr.; Megan Kapp, Sr.; Robin Etter, Soph.; Molly Witthauer, Sr.; Riley Spenningsby, Sr.; Randi Haarsager-Neary, Soph.; Marissa Drenth, Fr.; Renna Gardner, Soph.; Emily Kudrna, Soph.; Carissa Finck, Jr.

Season/home-opener: Tonight vs. Mandan, 7 p.m., Rotary Field

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jays, soccer