Gentry soccer team reloading

GENTRY -- Gentry lost seven starters to graduation off a team that advanced to the Class 4A state soccer semifinals a year ago, but the Lady Pioneers are still off to a fast start this season.

The Lady Pioneers are 5-1 with their only loss coming to defending 5A state champion Shiloh Christian.

"So far we've been good," Gentry coach Fabrizio Campagnola said. "The defense seems more solid."

Forward Amber Ellis has taken on the big scoring role, racking up 15 goals already this season. She had six goals in Gentry's 7-2 win over Springdale High's junior varsity. Fullbacks Sofiya Stasif and Erika Magana, both juniors, have anchored the defense, while Caroline Page has continued to improve as goalkeeper after getting playing time late last season, Campagnola said.

The Lady Pioneers opened conference play by hosting Danville on Thursday, winning 9-0. It was 6-0 at the end of the first half, putting the mercy rule into effect. Amber Ellis scored 6, Holin Fredrick 2 and Laura Reyes 1. Caroline Page had 3 saves in the game.

The girls are 2-0 in conference play and 5-1 overall. The boys lost 4-0 to Danville.

Sports on 03/26/2014