by Steve Batko

Correspondent

Lauren Wilson's girls soccer team should be polished for the post season this fall as the Twinsburg schedule has been brutal in the early season.

The Lady Tigers, 1-2 as of press time, should be much improved this campaign and a tough slate will help the squad later in the season.

On Aug. 27, the locals fell 6-0 on the road to Strongsville (3-0), the Division state runners up a year ago. The Tigers also lost 2-1 recently to Division II state champion Hathaway Brown.

Wilson's troops got to see talented Mustang Danielle Hubka, who recorded a hat trick with three goals. Hubka is a University of Maryland recruit and one of the top players in the Midwest.

Many believe that Strongsville could vie for the coveted No. 1 team ranking in the country. The Mustangs were ranked second in the nation in the ESPN Fab 50 Pre Season poll. Last year, Strongsville was 12th in the final national poll.

Hubka is a second-team Division I All-Ohio forward-midfielder who led the state runner-up Mustangs with 26 goals and nine assists in 2007. Through four games, she has 20 points. The 5-foot-5 Hubka also had two assists in the win as the Tigers failed to get a shot on goal at the Ehrnfelt Soccer Complex.

Twinsburg's defense was just outmanned in the contest vs. Strongsville.

Junior goalkeeper Brittany Labry gave a valiant effort as she was barraged with 26 shots on goal. She had a career-high 20 saves.

Strongsville's Sara Henderson, who is headed to Kent State, added four points. Keeper Nicole Wood will look to attend Ball State University.

In upcoming action, the Lady Tigers play Sept. 6 at Lakewood and Sept. 10 against Elyria, in the home opener. All games begin at 7 p.m.

Seniors returning back from last year's unit that had a five game winning streak late in the season, are: forward Jessica D'Isidoro, defender Nadege Gagne-Cross, defender Katie Whittington, defender Emily McDonald, midfielder Erin Panczyk, midfielder Sukhjit Kang and midfielder Alyssa Akers.

Juniors include dangerous forward Taylor Vidovic, defender Kelly Forsythe, midfielder Celeste Cooper, midfielder Carly Turk, and defender Eva Tsengas. Other juniors who may contribute are midfielders Jessica DiTommaso and Maddi Ivan.

Wilson is aided by veteran assistant coach Naomi Ducharme.

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