Warrenton head soccer coach Amy Wargowsky hopes a strong number of returning players and improved fitness will lead to more success on the soccer pitch this season. 

Warrenton returns 11 players for the varsity squad that featured multiple underclassmen in starting roles. 

“It’s a benefit because they have experience,” Wargowsky said. “They know how to work together. And we have a few freshmen that are going to help out. I’m looking forward to the season.” 

The Lady Warriors return their top-two goal scorers from last season. Sophomore Morgan Marschel scored 10 goals in her freshman season. Junior Camryn Petersmeyer netted nine goals for the Lady Warriors. Warrenton also returns junior goalie Emily Beumel, who was the Lady Warriors’ regular goalie last season. Beumel earned all-conference honors last season. 

With the key number of returning players and newcomers, Wargowsky sees Warrenton’s offense as a strength for the team this season. 

“I think we have more options on offense than we’ve had in the past with more ability, more speed and more shots,” Wargowsky said. 

One of Warrenton’s main focuses early in the season has been on their fitness. Wargowsky noted if they are in better shape, they are less likely to deal with injuries again this year. She is hopeful they can stave off injuries this season. She thinks a strong fitness level and the players trusting each other is key for the Lady Warriors this season. 

“Last year, I think a lot of times we would just get dead and so then we would get caught on our heels,” Wargowsky said. “I think that’ll be part of it. That and trusting their teammates.”

Wargowsky said as of last week, she had an idea of who her starting 11 players will be and also who will be utilized as substitutes for the starters. However, she stressed the starting spots for the majority of the positions are fluid. 

“There’s very few people we said you definitely have a starting position. The rest of you are fighting to see who is going to start,” Wargowksky said. 

Warrenton opened the season last week at the Warrenton Tournament. They went 1-2 in the tournament, which was played the weekend before Warrenton’s spring break. Wargowsky anticipated the Lady Warriors would not have their full roster for the games. They beat Fulton 8-0 in the final game of the tournament. They lost 3-1 to the St. Louis Patriots and 8-0 to Washington. Freshman Breeyn Young led Warrenton with three goals during the tournament. Marschel scored two goals. 

Warrenton was scheduled to host Hannibal Tuesday. They are slated to play at Mexico at 6 p.m. Thursday.