Graduation took its toll on a number of Aurora girls soccer teams going into the 2012 season, but plenty of new faces had the chance to rise.
Several members of a Smoky Hill team that had the most successful run of any city squad are part of the 2012 Aurora Sentinel All-City Girls Soccer team, which is selected by the Sentinel in conjunction with balloting of city coaches.
The Buffaloes’ season came to an end with an overtime loss to Heritage in the Sweet 16 round of the Class 5A state playoffs, but a rare win over Centennial League powerhouse Cherry Creek accented another outstanding season for coach Andy Colella’s squad.
Junior Candace Cephers was a big part of the Buffaloes’ run, transitioning from defense to a major role in the midfield and accounting for a team-high 20 goals, the second-most in the league. The Virginia Tech commitment worked effortlessly with senior striker Michaela Herrmann, who scored double-digit goals for the second straight season, racking up 12 scores on the year.
Even with Cephers playing more up, the Smoky Hill defense remained strong, with senior Haley Heath one of the driving forces in front of goalkeeper Rileigh Ladyga. Heath played confident and aggressively in the back and Ladyga — who missed a few game due to injury — posted four of the team’s five shutouts and made double digit saves in three games.
Rangeview absolutely cruised through the EMAC, rolling to a second straight league title. Leading the way was senior striker Michelle Spesshardt, the league’s player of the year who racked up an Aurora-best 30 goals. She again teamed with Jalynn Fortt (12 goals, 17 assists) to key a potent Rangeview attack, while tenacious senior Brenna Hepburn (15 goals, 15 assists) kept things moving in the midfield.
Eaglecrest fell just short of the playoffs, but two seniors leaders — midfielder Madison Loos (a Bucknell signee) and defender Melissa Westhoff (School of Mines) — did all they could for the 9-6 Raptors, who were also boosted by an offensive injection from fleet freshman striker Korena Perales, who notched 11 goals.
In a rough season in terms of wins and loss, senior defender, team captain and second team All-Continental League pick Taylor Chott helped Regis Jesuit remain competitive each time out in the brutal Continental League.
Grandview struggled out of the gate with a tough schedule, but senior midfielder Meagan Wilson (8 goals) helped the Wolves get hot late and streak into the playoffs.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
2012 AURORA SENTINEL ALL-CITY GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
FIRST TEAM — Forward: Jalynn Fortt, Rangeview, sr.; Michaela Herrmann, Smoky Hill, sr.; Korena Perales, Eaglecrest, fr.; Michelle Spesshardt, Rangeview, sr.; Midfield: Candace Cephers, Smoky Hill, jr.; Brenna Hepburn, Rangeview, sr.; Madison Loos, Eaglecrest, sr.; Meagan Wilson, Grandview, sr.; Defense: Taylor Chott, Regis Jesuit, sr.; Haley Heath, Smoky Hill, sr.; Melissa Westhoff, Eaglecrest, sr.; Goalkeeper: Rileigh Ladyga, Smoky Hill, sr.
SECOND TEAM — Forward: Emily Burton, Cherokee Trail, jr.; Megan Campbell, Rangeview, soph.; Daisha Stanley, Cherokee Trail, soph.; Brittney Thornton, Eaglecrest, jr.; Midfield: Polly Castellanos, Smoky Hill, jr.; Kylie Erickson, Eaglecrest, sr.; Giovanna Fernandez, Rangeview, jr.; Dom Premac, Grandview, sr.; Defense: Taylor Burton, Cherokee Trail, soph.; Madalyn Frawley, Rangeview, sr.; Kaitlyn Storm, Smoky Hill, jr; Jessica Westhoff, Eaglecrest, jr.; Goalkeeper: Kylie Chisholm, Regis Jesuit, soph.
HONORABLE MENTION: Yoana Arellano, Aurora Central, sr.; Katie Cunningham, Grandview, soph.; Elena Eidson, Grandview, jr. (GK); Raquel Flores, Aurora Central; Brooke Genovese, Grandview, jr.; Jaqueline Helguera, Gateway, soph.; Mayra Hernandez, Aurora Central, sr.; Briana Johnson, Gateway, sr. (GK); Meghan Kilkenny, Regis Jesuit, jr.; Olivia Knox, Regis Jesuit, soph.; Courtney Lowry, Rangeview, sr.; Vanessa Madera, Rangeview, soph.; Adriana Penate, Hinkley, sr.; Diana Rivera, Hinkley, soph.; Thalia Quiel, Cherokee Trail, jr.; Bianca Sanchez, Hinkley, sr.; Kelsi Smith, Eaglecrest, jr.; Kaylee Szuch, Rangeview, jr. (GK); Julie Woodworth, Smoky Hill, sr.
