Source: Observer & Eccentric

Author: Dan O'Meara / John Stormzand

Coach Butch Babler believes the Mercy High School soccer team has the potential to be much better offensively in 2011.

If that proves to be the case, the Marlins could have a very good year.

“For us this year, the key is I think we're actually going to score goals, which has always been a problem for us,” Babler said, adding the Mercy defense will be solid.

The team leaders are senior captains Whitney Morey and Kirstie Racinski. Junior Mackenzie Williams is a third captain.

Morey will start on defense and Racinski at forward, although the two are interchangeable depending on what the team needs, Babler said. Williams will anchor the midfield.

Despite having 17 players back from last year's district roster, the Marlins are still a young team with just six seniors in the group.

The others are midfielders Maggie Raftery and Cassidee Downs, forwards/defenders Lauren Parr and Catherine Adamowski.

“We've got some good returning leadership whether they're juniors or seniors,” Babler said. “We'll do fine.”

Mercy has a returning goalie for the first time in three years. Sophomore Monica Mackie started all last season, but she has competition this year from freshman Allie Gorcyca.

Junior Sue Panetta and sophomore Katie Coerdt are back on defense from last year, and Babler said sophomore Kirsten Padalis has looked good this year.

Raftery and junior Rachel Harrison, who was moved to forward but can play almost anywhere, played well in the preseason.

One of Mercy's top players and leading scorers last year is sophomore Mackenzie Higgins, a member of the Michigan Hawks who can play in the midfield or at forward.

“She seems to have really come along,” Babler said, adding Higgins has a lot of talent. “The more she does and attention she draws, the easier it's going to be for other people.

“Kirstie Racinski is a talented, smart player, and Mackenzie Williams is another one with good soccer knowledge. They know when to shoot. The girls are recognizing situations really well.

“(Junior) Imani Gunn is another player who matured and is doing things you expect a junior to do that a sophomore just isn't as able to do.”

That includes the ability to “slow the game down and make the easy goal as opposed to trying to hammer the ball and put it 10 feet over the bar. They're all maturing and it's fun to see.”

The other returning players are juniors Paige Raymond, Katie Arthur and Elaina Weber. Freshman Katie Erdnt also joins the varsity.

“This team probably worked harder in the off season than any team I've had,” Babler said. “In the (Lakes Area) showcase, we played fairly strong there, and I'm interested to get going in the Catholic League to see what happens.”

The Marlins had scoreless ties with Troy and Bloomfield Hills Andover in scrimmage games, and they defeated New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 1-0.

The league will be strong as usual, Babler added, but the playoff format has changed. Only the top teams will qualify, not all four in the Central and Double A divisions.

“It's going to be a dogfight,” Babler said. “I think every loss is a little bit bigger, because you're not playing for position. You're playing for your life now.”

The Marlins, who were 6-9-2 last year, were scheduled to start the season Tuesday night at Dearborn.

“I think it'll be a good year for us,” Babler said. “I think we look pretty strong. I think we'll have a strong team. If we start scoring some goals, anything can happen.”