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Bears open soccer season with plenty of experience

Staff Report

Rifle girls soccer coach Tom Taucher has a couple of holes to fill, but with the nucleus back from last year’s regional qualifying team, he feels good about the Bears’ chances.

Rifle opens its season Saturday at home against Summit High School at 11 a.m. in a nonleague contest.

Last season Rifle finished third in the Western Slope League and was eliminated in the regional round of the state playoffs, something Taucher believes can be improved upon this season.



All-Western Slope Leaguer Brenda Cruz anchors the midfield for the Bears and is joined by fellow returnee Alicia Kuhns.

Geri Legg and Haley Hubbell provide much of the offensive power playing in the striker positions and Ashley Gavito and Anna Petersen return on defense.



“Right down the middle we’re going to be strong,” Taucher said. “Brenda and Alicia as the two center midfielders, Haley and Geri at Striker and Ashley Gavito right down the middle (on defense).”

The one gaping hole for Rifle is the goaltender position. Taucher has five girls currently competing for the spot, and he said there isn’t a clear favorite yet.

“We’re looking for a third defender in back and another striker up front,” Taucher said. “If we can find a couple of kids to step up, and find a goalkeeper, we’re going to be pretty solid.”


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