ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 28, 1996 TAG: 9603290014
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
The fastest-growing high school sport in the Roanoke metro area appears to be girls' soccer.
This year, four schools - William Byrd, Northside, Staunton River and Franklin County - are adding teams.
None, however, appears ready to challenge incumbent powerhouse Patrick Henry, which may have one of its best teams in recent years.
Timesland 1995 player of the year Carrie Moore, who already has received a full scholarship to William and Mary, anchors the Patriots' squad.
Moore, a midfielder, is joined by returning starters Margaret Hunter Turner on defense, goalie Carolyn Hodges, forward Erin D'Alessandro and midfielders Annie Eure, Sarah Whitman and Sarah Mercer. D'Alessandro, Turner and Eure were second-team All-Timesland selections last season, showing the talent level of this team.
``We've also got some good freshmen. It's the best team we've had in a while as far as depth goes,'' said PH coach Sharon McCulley. ``We have the potential to reach the state.''
McCulley, the dean of local coaches, says the sport is growing very fast for girls. Pulaski County, a Timesland school, nearly started girls' soccer this spring, while Liberty might join Staunton River next year.
Cave Spring should have given PH some opposition this season, but the Knights were depleted with the loss of twin terrors, Amy and Allison Beightol, who were both All-Timesland. The Knights' were further eroded when All-Timesland striker Tiffanie Jackson decided not to play this year and center-fullback Kristin Winterich moved away.
Cave Spring, under 1995 Timesland Coach of the Year Peter Lustig, will rebuild around center-halfback Natalie Newman, sweeper Andee Moore, two-year goalie Heather Krause and fullback Nancy Dixon. The Knights will be hampered by an upgraded schedule..
Franklin County opens under coach Christy Harris, who didn't find out until this winter that the school would be sponsoring her team.
The Eagles have some players with experience, though not on the high school level. The new team includes goalie Becky Thatcher, defenseman Joanna Gruver, halfback Mikaela Payden-Travers and the Buchanan sisters - Jenny (halfback), Serena (forward) and Angel (goalie).
In the Blue Ridge District, Salem will be led by two All-Timesland players, center-midfield Amy Moore and goalie Angie Divers, who had 135 saves in 14 games. Defenseman Sara Dean is another top Spartan.
William Byrd will play under coach Shawn Duff while Northside will operate under James Brown. No information was made available for either team.
At Staunton River, in the Seminole District, Rob Sowder moves over from coaching boys to heading up the new girls' team. Margaret Hopkins (defense), Karey Tunstall (midfield) and Courtney Culp (offense) will lead the team.
Among the private schools, both North Cross and Roanoke Catholic appear to be much improved. Krista Engl (goalie), Molly Draper (sweeper), Ann Stelzel (forward) and Christy Hinman (midfield) were All-Blue Ridge Conference for Roanoke Catholic.
North Cross, 14-4-2 last season, has eight starters back, including keeper Emily Manetta, 1995 All-Timesland striker Mary Jennings, who will play either forward or midfield, sweeper Emily Kennedy, who sat out last year after making All-Timesland in 1994, and All-Blue Ridge midfielder Whitfield Mastin.
Roanoke Valley Christian is back for a second year after not winning a game last spring. The Eagles will build on senior center-halfback Ashley Rakes and goalie Lauren McKee.
LENGTH: Medium: 66 linesby CNB