Bob Jones seniors want deep playoff run
Bob Jones seniors (l to r) Lauren Steil, Julianna Coburn, Hannah Snoddy, Cassie Russell, Kayla Cleveland, Jasmine Conklin, Chandler Austin
MADISON- Bob Jones girl’s soccer team wrapped up the regular season Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over Austin on Senior Night as the seven seniors were honored with gifts.
What they want now is a deep playoff run that ends at the AHSAA Soccer Championships at John Hunt Park on the weekend of May 9-10.
That journey starts Saturday at 1:30 as Bob Jones hosts Grissom. Huntsville potentially lies in the Patriots way if they can get past Grissom. Huntsville has ended Bob Jones’ season in the second round the last two years. Huntsville opens the playoffs at home Friday night against James Clemens.
This year’s team played without Avery Batson, now a sophomore who is one of the top soccer players in the nation but she was on hand to cheer the team on in their final regular season game. The Patriots’s final record was 13-8-3.
Defense was the Patriots calling card this season as they went 4-0 in Area 14 play. They swept James Clemens by scores of 2-0 and 1-0.
“Our defense has been playing very good all season, even when our offense struggled the defense came together and kept us in a lot of games,” said Bob Jones girls head coach Tony Schroeder.
Senior goalkeeper Cassie Russell has posted nine shutouts. Chandler Austin, a four year starter and All-State selection also played a key role on defense.
To replace Batson’s ball skills Schroeder has relied on multiple players.
“Hannah Snoddy and Anna Gierow have combined and worked together to take over where Avery left off. We have seven seniors, all quality players, all play in the middle of the field, all leaders, without them this team would not be where it is.”
Austin has had offers to play in college but will attend Auburn next fall and concentrate on academics. Russell will also be attending Auburn majoring in engineering and plans to play intramural soccer.
Julianna Coburn has signed with University of West Alabama and Hannah Snoddy signed with Birmingham Southern. Jasmine Conklin will play at Brenau University in Gainsville, Georgia. Lauren Steil will attend South Alabama and play soccer.
Anna Gierow led the team in goals this season with 18.
The girls would like nothing more than to finish their careers at Bob Jones with a trip to the State Championships. Bob Jones girl’s team has not been to the championships since 2006.
Birmingham area teams have dominated girl’s soccer lately. The last three state champions have been Mountain Brook (2013), Oak Mountain, (2012) and Spain Park (2011).
Senior Lauren Steil has been a part of the post season frustration.
“Huntsville always seems to be the toughest team for us,” she said. “The hardest part is we can’t let them score. We have to start hard in the first half. If we can hold them in the first half, we have a good chance against them.”
Two years ago Huntsville won in overtime. Last year the game was tied 0-0 and Huntsville won on penalty kicks.
”To get to the Championships would be an accomplishment in itself,” Steil said.
Against Austin, Coach Schroeder made sure all the seniors started and got plenty of playing time. Austin is also in the playoffs as they won Class 6A, Area 16 and host Hazel Green in the first round.
