Another year of action out on the pitch came with a strong record for the Powell Middle School girls’ soccer team, ending 5-3 while continuing to grow the program in its second official year.

Unlike in years past the Cubs played their home games at the Powell Middle School stadium instead of the grass or turf at Powell High School, something coach Stan Hedges appreciated.

“I have to give recognition to the staff at Powell Middle School for getting our field ready for game play, it’s a great field,” Hedges said. “Throughout the year, the students are privileged to watch basketball games so in that same intention, they were able to watch our season opener. Thanks goes to the administrators and teachers who came to support us.”

That season opening game resulted in a win for the Cubs, who carried that into a three-game winning streak to begin the year before a more difficult stretch to end the year.

Hedges said that the Cubs dominated several teams early in the season including Buffalo and Rawlins, battled for victories against Worland and won against Riverton and struggled against Lander.

Throughout the year the Cubs continued to show growth as a team and individually, as the program continues to build with players who have played for years or who have not played at all prior to middle school.

“As a team, I could see a lot of growth not just from the players who had little experience, but also those players who have been playing most of their lives,” Hedges said.

Leading the team in goals and assists was Jesi Agee, while Aspen French helped control the midfield alongside Veronica Kovach’s “unrelenting pursuit of the ball” and Madalyn Agee helped with her ability to play the whole field with strong shots.

Hedges said other offensive standouts included Raeann Jackson, Avery Love and Cabree Gates.

Defensively the Cubs were led by Charlie Eastman, who led a line that helped prevent a lot of goals.

Alongside Eastman at the back was a strong contingent of Cubs, such as Kaitlynn Linnebur, Bentley Streeter, Eva Wilson and Annikah Hossein in defense.

In goal for the Cubs was the duo of Piper Bradish and Reagan Clifford, with both players also playing defense when they weren’t in goal.

Hedges said Bradish set records for saves in a season as well as saves in a game for the Cubs.

“Bradish has come a long way since last year and was a solid force in goal for us,” Hedges said.

Along with Bradish, the Cubs will send Jesi Agee, Kovach, Gates, Linnebur, Eastman, Hossein and Theresa Gonzalez to the high school next year.

“I feel all of these girls will be a positive addition to the high school program, and I am sure they will be part of at least one state championship in the next four years,” Hedges said. “I am grateful for their hard work and dedication.”

Hedges said he was thankful for his fellow coach Justin Waterworth for all the work he has put into the middle school program.