Plymouth Christian Academy graduated nine seniors from last season’s team that made the state semifinal, but a strong defense has the program exceeding expectations. The team is ranked No. 7 in Division 4, in contention for another deep run this postseason.
PCA has allowed just six goals through its first 12 matches, with junior goalkeeper Mary Michalak (Lawrence Tech) leading the way to eight clean sheets. Michalak earned all-state selections each of the last two seasons.
“She’s quick, she's unshakable,” coach Kyle Whipple said. “I've seen her in some big moments … she remains steadfast in the way that she plays. I think having a keeper that can play out of the back and one that’s stable and not an emotional person is huge. I just think it really keeps the team grounded.”
Alongside Michalak, senior captain Abby Brumwell and freshman Lauren Scott also have been a big part of the defensive success.
Brumwell is a physical defender who keeps the back line organized with her communication. Scott has fit in seamlessly next to Brumwell, using her athleticism as a standout basketball player to send away lofted passes from opponents.
Midfielder Anamaria Brazdau is another freshman who is making big contributions early in her high school career, helping the offense build with a possession based attack.
“They’ve played almost every minute as freshman,” Whipple said. “To be able to come onto a team that's had the history that we've had, and be able to figure out their role right away has been pretty big.”
Senior captain Madeline Hare is the offensive engine for PCA with seven goals and five assists, racking up three goals and three assists in an impressive performance against Dansville.
The mix of veterans and talented young players has the program in familiar territory as the season enters its final month.
“I think our goal is to continue to do what we've done in the past,” Whipple said. “To fight for a conference championship … I want to see us win the conference and I want to see us advance in our district, and I think the girls are capable of doing that.”
Saline fights to return to East Lansing
Saline is another program looking to make a second consecutive trip to East Lansing after finishing as state runner-up a season ago. The team has overcome season-ending injuries to All-State senior defenderLydiaZajchowski(SVSU) and junior goalkeeperKaylee Mitzelto post a 13-1-1 record.
“They do a great job of leading the team from the sidelines during games,” coachLeigh Rumboldsaid. “Pulling players aside to make sure that they're offering either an arm around the shoulder or a little bit of advice here or there. They know their role as leaders, even though they can't be on the field.”
SeniorsSadie Walsh(Toledo) andNada Derneika(Central Michigan) are returning all-state midfielders that set the tone for Saline. Walsh has routinely beaten double teams to score 14 goals this season.
Derneika’s defensive intensity and impressive vision make her a perfect partner in the midfield.
“She's more of a holding position, which dictates the way we want to play,” Rumbold said. “Tries to control games from deeper areas … offensively, she's a warrior. She puts balls in the air and on the ground and gets us playing.”
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Alongside Walsh, senior forwardMaKena Means(Northwood) leads a high-powered attack that already has 69 goals. Means has scored eight times while creating opportunities for teammates with a combination of speed and quality hold up play.
The team’s defense is equally impressive, holding 10 opponents scoreless. SeniorHalli Harrisand juniorCaylin Sturnsare stepping up as central defenders with Zajchowski out. When opposing offenses break through, freshman goalkeeperEvie Jameshas made big saves.
“It really is a collective effort to making sure that we are getting compact as a team,” Rumbold said. “Getting underneath the ball, making sure that we've got pressure, cover, balance … we preach that it's defending as a team and it's an attacking as a team. I think so far, we've done a pretty decent job of it.”
With strong players at all three levels, Saline is ranked No. 7 in Division 1.
Dynamic duo leading Waterford Kettering
Kettering is in the midst of one of the most successful seasons in program history with a 14-2-1 record, posting the most wins in a single season in over a decade. A dynamic offense has the team ranked No. 10 in Division 2.
Senior captainAvery Topinkaand sophomoreSavannah Sartoriushave unlocked the Kettering attack, forming a dangerous partnership as forwards. The pair have contributed to an incredible 58 of Kettering’s 75 goals while assisting each other 27 times.
“Those two are really powerhouses,” coachJustice Tillotsonsaid. “They work really, really well together and their chemistry is something I haven't seen in a really long time. If one isn't open, the other one is.”
Junior midfielderChloe Colliasis another big contributor offensively with six goals and six assists. Collias has a strong shot from distance, scoring from outside the box in consecutive matches against Clarkston and Berkley.
Senior captainPeyton Eakinjoins Collias in the midfield, helping keep possession while making decisive passes. Eakin takes most free kicks and corners for Kettering, with five assists in her last four games.
Defensively, sophomoreKortney Gettighas elevated her play, helping the team to nine shutouts this season.
“She has been the leader of our back line,” Tillotson said. “Her voice, her tenacity, her strength and her knowledge of the game really has stepped up our back line. I'm really proud of her by the way that she carries herself.”
The program continues to build on last season’s district final appearance and looks to make regionals for the first time this season.
“I think we learned a lot in that,” Tillotson said. “It was my first year last year, so I learned a ton coaching wise … I would say that, although last year didn't go the way that we would have liked, this year I think we're coming in stronger.”
Nathan Korp is a freelance writer.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News:Metro Detroit girls soccer: Defense carries Plymouth Christian Academy
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