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The standard for Waynesville High School's girls soccer program is high.

With 15 straight double-digit winning seasons, six district title game appearances and a final four berth on the resume under Dick Miller, the Spartans measure success in championships, not wins.

All of which makes two straight seasons in second place to Monroe in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division hard to swallow.

"Last year, Monroe was three goals better than us over two games, but we had a lot of inexperience," Miller said. "Seven of our top 13 players last year were freshmen, and the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores.

"I think we've got enough speed to play with Monroe this year. It'll come down to how the ball bounces and who makes the fewest mistakes," he said.

Key returnees

Waynesville returns a boatload of talent, including top scorers Farran Eide (30 goals) and Lauren Price (29). Sophomore Amber Bell has moved to the front line, giving the Spartans a trio of speedy snipers, while senior Erica Danner moves from defense to the midfield.

Also returning are sophomore midfielders Liz Elson, Lauren Bunn and sophomore defender Alysha Bacca.

Promising newcomers

If Miller has one concern it's inexperience on defense. Waynesville will start freshman Ashley Stockton and sophomores Chandler Gianatassio and Hannah Morgan in the back, along with junior goalkeeper McKenna Warfel. None of them have started a varsity game.

"All of the newcomers on defense is a bit of a concern," Miller said. "The key is can the rest of the team get enough pressure on the ball so that our defense isn't always under pressure."

The Spartans also have newcomers A.J. Rickey, Sarah Dick and Katie Hamilton coming off the bench.

Key games

In addition to the Monroe games (Sept. 4 and 23), Miller said that Madison (Sept. 9 and 25) will be dangerous in SWBL play.

Waynesville also will be pointing to games against Little Miami (Aug. 28) and Oakwood (Sept. 16) in the non-conference schedule.

The Spartans will be toughened up by an early scheduling snag that sees them play their first seven games of the season on the road.

Quotable

"We've had some really good teams in the past. This team is as good as any I've had on paper. It all depends on what we do on the field." — Miller