[Soccer] Built for more, Bryant Lady Hornets want back on top

Bryant (9-9-3 in 2023) reached the playoffs last spring for the second time under Coach Olivia Organ, falling to Bentonville West with 6 seconds left in the second overtime. The Lady Hornets struck first with a goal from Kaylee Fluger in the second half. Bentonville West scored with 59 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

“The playoff game made a difference (mentally),” says Organ, who has guided Bryant to 28 wins over the past three seasons. “It taught them the importance of doing things right the first time.”

The early postseason exit fueled Organ’s squad this off-season. Bryant raised its strength and conditioning standards, and the players responded well. The hiring of alum Britney Sahlmann as assistant coach also boosted the team. “We want to be the best,” Organ says. Sahlmann played on Bryant’s 2015 state championship team.

Bryant returns 10 starters, including senior goalkeeper Alexis Pablo. The Lady Hornets conceded two goals in their last four conference games in 2023. “Her confidence has grown so much,” the Coach says, “and she’s comfortable stepping out of the box.” Sophomore Zaylie Mejia trains behind Pablo.

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The back line features senior Karen Giron at center back. Senior Cameron Cathey slides from outside back to center back, while junior Haley Avila takes over at outside back. Sophomore Raegan Leung emerged last spring at outside back. Senior Kaci Ausbrooks and sophomore Bethany Arbeene will push for time in the defensive third.

All-state holding midfielder Hannah Brewer graduated in 2023 after pacing the Lady Hornets with 14 goals. The candidates to succeed Brewer include senior Julia Murray, juniors Diana Ramirez and Lilly Wirzfeld and sophomore Mary Kate Brewer.

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Two-time all-state performer Lily Miller has recorded 16 goals and 24 assists in her career. The senior midfielder collected nine goals and a team-high 10 assists last spring. Organ praises Miller for building trust with her teammates this off-season.

Senior Amelia Holley (eight career goals and four assists) returns for a third season in Bryant’s midfield. Junior midfielder Jennifer Vivar (six assists in 2023) and sophomore midfielder Brooklyn Kuchinski each scored five goals last season. Sophomore midfielder Lydia Hall played striker for the 6-1 junior varsity, racking up one goal and two assists.

Fluger, a four-year starter, leads Bryant with 60 career points (21 goals and 18 assists). The senior wing excels at staying on the ball through contact. Junior wing Julie Johnson earned all-conference honors last spring after finishing with 10 goals and five assists. Senior Katie Corley transitioned this winter from defender to wing. Mary Kate Brewer, who started some in 2023 at center back, spent most of the off-season training at striker alongside junior Emerson Hill.

Organ expects sophomore Michelle Espinoza and freshman Evelin Muniz to provide a spark this spring. The roster also includes sophomores Brynnan Cathey, Mary Lara, Ella McCrary, Lydia Unsworth and Toni Williams.

⚽ Article written by Jeff Hall

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