By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
Now the real season begins.
The Burlington girls soccer team has battled a couple state-ranked teams over the last month, but the Lady Demons have emerged with a 2-2-1 record heading into the Southern Lakes Conference season this week.
Burlington’s game scheduled for Tuesday against Lake Geneva Badger was rained out, but on Thursday the girls will host Union Grove to start their conference title defense.
Burlington coach Joel Molitor said he’s happy with the team’s nonconference performance, which included tilts with Division II state powers Waunakee and Oregon.
“We played well against two ranked teams,” Molitor said. “Waunakee, Oregon and Monona Grove have traditionally been the best teams in our new sectional, so I wanted to see how we matched up against them.”
On April 22, the host Demons battled Oregon, ranked No. 4 in Division 2, in an overtime thriller.
The game was tied at 0-0 through regulation, but Oregon notched a goal six minutes into the extra stanza.
“I give all credit to them because it was a great goal,” Molitor said. “I would love to face them again, though. I think they would have a hard time beating us twice.”
Overall, Molitor said the team is pretty healthy, with a few minor bumps and bruises here and there. The girls are poised to defend their conference crown.
Union Grove (7-2) and Lake Geneva Badger (4-2-1) have the best records heading into Southern Lakes play.
Burlington will play each conference opponent once, and the season will culminate with the conference tournament.
“We are very excited to get back to conference play,” Molitor said. “Last year was such a good experience, and it would be great to watch the girls achieve it again.”
In five games, Ashlyn Barry is leading the Demons in points with three goals and an assist. Alli Zeman has added two goals, and Katie Travis has one goal.
Molitor has also been impressed by contributions from Tegan Rock and Sydney McCourt.
“Tegan has been our starting center back all year, and she has really made a leap from last year,” Molitor said. “She played for the Bavarian Soccer Club during our offseason, and that high-level club experience is showing in every game. She is one of several seniors who are looking at playing at the next level.”
McCourt is excelling thanks to her versatility.
“Sydney is playing a different position this year, as she has every year since she started at BHS, and just like the last two years, she is making huge contributions for 80 minutes a game,” Molitor said.
So what has been the key to success for the Lady Demons?
“Honestly, the key to the team’s success has been the players’ ability to integrate new talent while maintaining a close team spirit,” Molitor said. “After last year’s success, it was challenging to figure out the dynamic of this year’s team at the beginning of the season, but we were able to discuss things as a team and remind ourselves that team chemistry and unity are the most important elements of a good team.”
That chemistry will be tested Thursday against the Broncos, who are on a four-game winning streak.
“I hope to see us dominate the midfield against Grove,” Molitor said. “We have some very nice possession-based players, and if we are able to keep the ball and be patient, we will make it difficult for any team to beat us.”
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