Immaculata soccer ready to surprise

Team: Immaculata soccer

Last year’s record: 4-12

Coach: Frank Mazeitis

Coach’s record: 102-157-6

Key returnees:

Isaac O’Neil, senior defender; three-year starter

Nick Reckers, senior forward; five goals, three assists in 2011

Beth Doty, senior defender; two-year starter

Phillip Hernandez, junior goalkeeper; one shutout last season

Jaxon Qualley, junior defender; two-year starter

Nathan Reardon, junior midfielder; two-year starter

Jacob Chapman, senior defender; two-year starter

Newcomers to watch:

Mark Hernandez, freshman midfielder;  experienced club player

Team Outlook: STRENGTHS — The strongest part of the Immaculata squad in 2012 will be through the middle. With O’Neil and Doty anchoring the defense, Mark Hernandez patrolling the midfield and Reckers up top, Mazeitis feels good about his team’s talent and experience in the most vital part of the field.

WEAKNESSES —  Though the squad returns several key starters, youth and inexperience on both the offensive and defensive flanks will be an area that needs improvement.

Big games: Home vs. Maur-Hill, Aug. 29; At Maranatha, Sept. 6; At Maur-Hill, Oct. 2; Home vs. Maranatha, Oct. 4; Home vs. Eudora, Oct. 9; Home vs. Bishop LeBlond, Oct. 16

Coach says: “It is very difficult to make up for the players we lost last year — two all-state players. This is definitely a rebuilding year and a team with an all-new personality. I think we are in for some real surprises if it all plays out as I think it can.”