HIGH SCHOL SCOCCER PREVIEW : Girls : Marmonte Race May Be a Matter of Most Finesse

In pursuit of the Southern Section 3-A title, Coach Mark Johnson is drilling his Simi Valley High girls soccer team in the elements of finesse.

“We teach skill soccer,” Johnson said. “If you teach physical play, you get hurt. If they want to get hit, they can play football.”

No one has yet taken Johnson up on his offer. In fact, Johnson has had little trouble with the Pioneers (12-0-2), who begin the Marmonte League season Tuesday at Newbury Park ranked No. 2 in the 3-A Division.

With only five starters back from last season, Simi Valley has relied on members of last season’s undefeated junior varsity team. The Pioneers have returning starters at goalie, sweeper and the entire front line. Back are junior forward Brenda Brian, who last season led the Pioneers with 22 goals, and senior forwards Pam Stewart, Donielle O’Brien and Sharon Lee.

The addition of senior halfbacks Sherri Fechtelkotter and Stacey Basil give Simi Valley a balanced attack, Johnson said.

To defend its league title, Simi Valley will count on its senior goalie Angela Washburn and fullbacks Suzanne Bryan, Kerry Bertoldo, Kelli Kauffman and halfback Kris Rogers.

TEAMS TO WATCH

Oak Park

Coach: Chuck Monico, 6th year

Oak Park was the Southern Section 2-A runner-up last season, losing to Agoura in double- overtime, 2-1. Oak Park is rebuilding after the graduation of eight starters. The few that return are talented and experienced. Senior goalie Robin Monico, a two-time All-Southern Section first-team selection and Tri-Valley League Most Valuable Player, has 180 saves and allows an average of one goal per game. Stacy Wise, a first-team All-Southern Section selection last season at right wing, has led the team in scoring since her sophomore year. She scored 22 goals and had 15 assists last season.

Thousand Oaks

Coach: Gail Kanney, 10th year

The Lancers lost only one senior from last season’s team that finished third behind Marmonte League powers Royal and Simi Valley. Junior Kristin Mealiffe, who was named first-team all-league and second-team All-Southern Section, starts at left halfback. Junior Erinn Kanney, who was second-team all-league last season, is the sweeper. Seniors Michelle Chabot, a center-halfback, and Julie Cristiano, a center-fullback, are the team leaders, Kanney said. The Lancers are not shy on offense; they took 49 shots on goal in their first two games.

Agoura

Coach: Dave Godwin, 3rd year

Despite losing goalie Diahn Matzner and Tracy Redman, the Southern Section 2-A offensive and defensive players of the year, the defending 2-A champions (6-1-3) are again ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll. Godwin said he is hopeful a team leader will develop. “We’re still looking for the one person to score,” he said. Agoura, which has lost to and tied with 3-A Royal, also has ties with 3-A Rio Mesa and Camarillo. With the help of first-year goalkeeper Tricia Arledge, Agoura has outscored its opponents 18-6 this season. The Chargers have three returning All-Southern Section players: junior forward Wendy Bennett and junior halfbacks Amy Ward and Dawn Krenik.