Former Tars making waves at Vanguard

Steve Virgen

The Vanguard women’s soccer team has lost six starters from last

year’s team, but that doesn’t mean the Lions are headed for doom.

The Lions entered the 2001 season with basically the same scenario

and all they did was improve. Instead of finishing second to last in

the Golden State Athletic Conference, like they did in 2000, the

Lions finished third with a 7-3 record and advanced to the Region II

Tournament.

This season, with the addition of senior Janelle Doyle, who

transferred from UC Irvine, Vanguard is not planning for a dropoff.

On the contrary, the Lions plan to build from last year’s winning

season. They will depend on the talent of four players, including

Doyle, who prepped at Newport Harbor High.

“She’s going to be the best center player that we’ve ever had,”

said Vanguard Coach Kerry McGrath-Crooks, who is in her third year as

head coach. “Janelle is incredibly fast. She’s got a wonderful touch

on the ball. Her distribution on passes is going to be that of a very

high caliber.”

Doyle will be reuniting with another Newport product, Jordan

Fredriksen.

Fredriksen, the Lions’ senior goalie, earned All-GSAC and

All-Region II honors, and she was an All-NAIA honorable mention

recepient. She recorded 55 saves last season.

Senior midfielder Nicole Avila, as well as senior defender

Jennifer Shaver are also key returners for Vanguard. Avila earned

All-GSAC laurels last season, and Shaver is expected to have a

breakout season, McGrath-Crooks said.

McGrath-Crooks also said the Lions might not be as strong early in

the season because they have suffered injuries. Junior Bryanna

Gonzales tore her ACL during the off-season and McGrath is hoping to

get her back by the end of the season.