The Watkins Memorial girls soccer team opened its season with a convincing 4‑0 victory over Licking Heights, a result that underscored the squad’s resilience after a rain‑soaked preseason that had postponed the original opener against Westerville North.
Senior Piper Newman ignited the scoring just three minutes and 36 seconds into the second half, slotting a precise strike that put the Warriors ahead and set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Junior Jessalyn Starkey added to the lead a mere three minutes later, and Skylar Schor capped the offensive outburst with the fourth goal in the closing minutes, illustrating a fluid attack that built on early momentum.
Coach Ben Schenko acknowledged the team’s need for greater clinical precision, noting that the first‑half scoreboard had read 1‑0 before the offense clicked, and praised the halftime adjustments that unlocked the scoring flood.
Defensively, seniors Maddy Simmons and Ana Ferrer helped steady the back line, while Natalie Davis and Keilan Oimas led the midfield charge, and goalkeepers Emma Pennington and Lori Crock combined for four saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The roster featured nine seniors and more than 40 players, a milestone for Coach Schenko’s tenure, and the recent victory by the middle school team signals a growing soccer culture within the school.
The team graduated 11 seniors, including high scorer Emma French, presenting a challenge to the new lineup but also providing an opportunity for returning seniors to step up and fill the void.
Looking Ahead
With the early win establishing a positive rhythm, the Warriors enter the coming weeks poised to build on their improved offensive and defensive cohesion, aiming to translate this momentum into a competitive season.