Several varsity starters returning from 2022 roster

ROCHELLE — The 2022 season was a return to success for the Rochelle Lady Hub varsity soccer team, which recorded double-digit victories for the first time in over a decade and won an IHSA Regional tournament match for the first time since 2009. With several starters returning from last season, head coach Brad Male has optimism for another successful spring campaign.

“I’m excited that we have some new players out as well as some returning players,” Male said. “We have a few spots to fill after losing some key players from last season, but I think we’re progressing pretty well right now and there are a lot of positive things for us to look forward to.”

The Lady Hubs will kick off the season with a home match against Harlem on Thursday, March 16. Rochelle will battle in the Byron Invitational on Saturday, March 18 and begin the Interstate 8 Conference schedule with a road match at Ottawa on Wednesday, April 5. Senior defenders Kailey Harris and Jasmin Hernandez headline a slew of returning varsity starters this season.

“I always look for our seniors to help lead the team and I’m looking forward to having Kailey and Jasmin in the back,” Male said. “We had a pretty good offense last season and we saw good teamwork up front. I’m looking forward to seeing how those girls continue to work together.”

Junior Danica Ward will return for her third varsity season at goalkeeper, while senior Mavi Avila and sophomore Makayla Lara highlight Rochelle’s returning starters in the midfield. Juniors Sydney Thorne and Kara Martinez are also back to lead the offensive attack on the front line. Rochelle will shoot to improve on a 10-10 record and fourth-place conference finish in 2022.

“I’d like to see us continue from where we left off last year,” Male said. “We’ve made progress from what I’ve seen so far and I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve already done.”