Spring preview: North Muskegon returns solid core of players for this coming soccer season

Local Sports Journal

The North Muskegon Norse have a solid case of returning players on their girls soccer team.

Coach Ryan Berends’ team is coming off a solid 7-3 mark in the conference a year ago, finishing just behind Oakridge and Hart. And while the Norse dropped a 1-0 decision to Oakridge already this season, it hasn’t dampened their title hopes.

“We have a good pod of experience this year,” Berends said. “We look to be in the running for the conference, district and regional championships.”

In order to be in the mix by season’s end, the Norse will rely upon juniors Nikee Pipoly and Hayden Patricio in the middle of the field. Maggie Ackley and Ali Lebano give the Norse a solid group of midfielders. Seniors Jessica Bogner (defense), Meggan VanHarn (defense) and Amanda Frein (goalkeeper) will be solid on the back end.

North Muskegon also was bolstered by the transfer of senior Erika Bayak, who will bring speed to the NM attack.