Girls’ Soccer Looks to Continue Success

The Fleetwood girls’ soccer team has had a lot of success in the last few years. They are a perennial power in Berks County.

In 2008, they were runners-up in the county, district, and state playoffs. In 2009, they were able to get over the hump and win a county championship as well as a district championship, but they fell in the state semi-finals.

The team did not enjoy the same success the next two years, but their achievements were still nothing to be ashamed of for most high school athletes. In 2010 and 2011, they made county semi-finals but were knocked out in the first round of districts.

The 2008 through 2011 seasons all had one thing in common: the presence of the Bergman sisters. Last year, Sarah and Elizabeth Bergman were seniors. They both led the team with thirteen points. Each of them had five goals complemented by three assists.

This is the last year for spring soccer and the first time in four years that the Bergman sisters will not be playing. The Tigers also lost Kaley Kinek and Angela Heydt due to graduation.

Nevertheless, Sammy Sanders, who had five goals last year, is returning this season. The girls may have lost some important pieces, but they are still expected to carry on the tradition of success.

“We lost some seniors, but there are a lot of good freshmen coming up,” Sophomore Holly Wagner said.

Head coach Mike Boyer has been preparing his team since early winter. Boyer coached a team that participated in a league at Bodyzone, playing a few times a week. He also started hosting open gyms once or twice a week for any female interested in playing soccer.

For girls looking to improve their game even more in the offseason, another team, coached by seniors Ryan Cortazzo and Danny Lopez, was organized for the second session at Bodyzone.  Despite not winning it all, the team placed second, losing to a premier team in the championship.

It should be a fun year for the girls, and they are looking to live it up in their last spring season.

“My goals are to make playoffs and get a few cards here and there,” Lauren Fuerst said.

The Lady Tigers hope to see a season full of success this year as they look to continue the ongoing tradition of excellence in Fleetwood soccer.