Lady Hawks hope to gain some attention

Girls soccer teams starts season 1-0 with win over Keokuk

BY JOHN BOHNENKAMP
PCC SPORTS

DONNELLSON - Antonio Estrada’s first girls soccer team at Central Lee didn’t win a match in 2019.
The Hawks went 0-8, and didn’t score a goal until the final match of the season.
But it was in that season when the youngest players on the team asked Estrada to challenge them.
“I’ve had a few girls who came up to me during their freshman year, my first year as (varsity) coach and say, ‘Hey, you need to be a little bit (tougher). We feel like that’s going to help us.,’” Estrada said. “The girls understand that, and it was great to hear that from them.”
The progress the Hawks have made was evident in Monday’s season opener against Keokuk, a 5-2 win.
It’s the start to a season that Estrada hopes can be a key for the program’s growth.
“This year I feel like we can win some games, get some attention,” Estrada said. “I’m hoping if we start winning, girls will notice and want to play.”
The biggest addition to the team has been sophomore forward Aubree Boyd, who had two goals in the opener.
“She’s played club (soccer) most of her life,” Estrada said of Boyd, who came from Pennsylvania. “That’s probably her main sport.”
Estrada saw Boyd’s impact in the first practice.
“My assistant was like, ‘Dude, we have a coach on the field,’” Estrada said. “She’s pretty much a coach out there for us. She’s a huge asset.
“And she’s unselfish. On Monday, she was passing the ball, doing everything she could to get her teammates involved. She’s really skilled.”
Central Lee also got goals from Sarah Martin, Macy Watkins and Addy Brumble in the opener.
Watkins, Makayla Morrison and Kylie Davidson are also big parts of the offense at midfield.
Josie Newton is an anchor for the defense.
“She’s able to push the ball out and turn it up the field,” Estrada said. “She’s very smart.”
Central Lee’s defense has three seniors.
“Our defense is going to have to step up,” Estrada said. “We have a lot of experience."
The Hawks have a difficult schedule that includes Notre Dame-West Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Mid-Prairie and Fort Madison.
“If we can stay focused, keep improving, and take care of the ball, we can win some games,” Estrada said. “Don’t get down on yourself. It’s soccer, it’s fun. A lot of schools don’t have girls soccer, so just take advantage of the opportunity.”