Aug 28, 2017 3 min read

As Kayla Fransko heads into her third year as the Ringgold High School girls soccer head coach, the former Rams star is excited and optimistic about the season.

“Having one season in a new section under our belts, the coaches know what we need to do and what we expect from the girls,” she said. “The girls are responding, confident and energized.”

It is understandable that the girls are confident as 11 are returning starters, most as full-time and a few part-time.

“We only lost one starter,” Fransko said. “This should give us the knowledge and advantage to have a successful season.”

Ringgold returns five senior starters in forward Rylee Bove, midfielders Ashley Briscoe, Micheala Pry, and Haley Frizzell, and defender Mackenzie Musser.

Bove, Frizzell and Musser are the captains while Briscoe and Pry were all-section players a year ago.

“This group of seniors is strong, talented and determined to do well both individually and together as a team,” Fransko said. “They know what it takes to be a high school soccer player and to win, and they must instill their focus, hard work, drive and positive attitude with the rest of their team.

“They are influential and respected among their teammates and have to lead not only in games but also in every practice.”

There are five juniors who return as starters. They are Maggie Lucas, who will play forward and defense, midfielders Ashley Ficorilli and Johnna Mayer and goalkeepers Caitlyn Jones and Hope Martin.

Sophomore Kylee Pry is the other returning starter and will play midfield and goalkeeper.

Despite having almost everyone back, Fransko said the younger girls are pushing for playing time.

“Although we are experienced, we have a large squad and many girls are fighting to become a part of the 11 players,” she said.

When asked who Fransko thought were the favorites in Section 3-AAA, which includes Ringgold and Trinity, she responded, “Our section is tough because it is diverse. Every team is a threat because any team can win on any given day.

“We want to play well to show not only the teams in our section, but also the teams in our class, that we are good enough to be among them and we really want the talent of our team to show through this year.”

So what goals has Fransko set for her team, which is coming off a 7-9-1 season and fifth-place finish in the section?

“We expect to make the playoffs and win a few games there so we can make it an unforgettable season in the program’s history,” she said. “Success requires commitment, hard work, determination and teamwork. We must play well and score more than last season, but it starts with other important aspects as we will only win games as a team.

“We have to be on the same page and always supporting and instilling those values in one another.”

Ringgold, which suffered five one-goal losses in section play last year, opens its season Sept. 6 at home against West Mifflin in a section match. The Rams play six of their first eight matches at home.