Rams using disappointment as motivation

By JEFF OLIVER

MVI Sports

If it seems like the Ringgold girls soccer team will be going into the season with a chip on its shoulder, it’s because the Rams are.

A year ago, Ringgold won its last three games of the season to qualify for the WPIAL 3A playoffs.

However, before their first playoff game, one of their players tested positive for COVID and Ringgold was ruled out of the playoffs.

That decision didn’t sit well with the players on the team and with numerous returning starters to rely on, third-year coach Olivia Wilkerson says it is definitely a motivational tool going into the season.

“We felt we were coming on, winning three straight games to reach the playoffs,” Wilkerson said. “Then it felt like it was taken away from us because, well, it was. That left a bad taste in our players mouths.

“They kind of feel like they have something to play for this season. They are looking to get back what was taken away from them.”

The Rams return six starters from a year ago, including leading scorer Katelyn Ferrence (Jr., striker) and one of the other top scorers Abby Whaley (Jr., center back).

Whaley has been recovering from a torn ACL and Wilkerson says she should be cleared for action in the next few days.

The other returning starters are senior Ryleigh Simko, juniors Ryan Wilson and Morgan Walsh, and sophomore Elizzabeth Wilson.

“We’re still young with our returning players, but they all count on each other,” said Wilkerson. “They do a good job of playing for each other. Even if someone is having a bad game, one thing they all do is play for each other.”

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