Adjust and adapt

It’s been a tough start to the season for Douglas High girls soccer, sitting with a 1-5-2 record through its first eight contests.

A pair of those losses are to Southern Nevada powerhouses, Bishop Gorman and Faith Lutheran, and the Tigers still have a pair of non-league games to continue to mesh.

“These non-conference games have been a chance for us to have a deeper preseason to figure stuff out, which has been amazing for us with new players and new positions,” said coach Andrew Robles.

The region is also shaped differently this fall with the highest classification of girls soccer in Northern Nevada moving to 4A.

The Northern 4A is also split in half, making Douglas’ main opponents this fall Bishop Manogue, Carson, Damonte Ranch and Galena.

The other side of the Northern 4A will feature McQueen, Hug, Reed, Reno and Spanish Springs.

Douglas won’t play its first league contest until Sept. 23 at home against Bishop Manogue.

Starting 11

Up front will be senior Aleeah Weaver, who last year was a Class 5A North first team all-region selection following a 17-goal season.

Through her first six games this season, Weaver had five goals and four assists.

“She’s got her position solidified,” said Robles.

Fellow senior Zoe Baligad has a pair of goals and an assist.

Sophomore Morgan Davis had a goal and an assist in the first eight games while fellow sophomore Katelyn Coons has two assists.

Robles says most players will have to handle adjusting to multiple positions as the Tigers try to finalize a starting look.

“This year we are trying to figure out our goalkeeping situation,” said Robles. “Now we have to worry about adapting to a new formation and new players.”

It’s the backline where the Tigers will see the most adjusting. 

In goal, sophomore Payton Von Ahsen has stepped in and handled her first varsity competition.

Payton is the younger sister of former Tiger all-region goalkeeper Madi Von Ahsen.

Returning on defense are seniors Johanna Ruelas, Riley Lovec and Sky Rassmussen, but with the new formation Robles has already shown a propensity to move all three into different spots.

Kaylee Bradford is back for her junior year and has seen time up front and in the midfield over the last two seasons.

Robles expects McQueen to be the team to beat in the North this fall.

The Lancers started 5-1-1 and outscored opponents 14-6.

Robles is confident the Tigers will still be a considerable foe at playoff time.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand. Douglas is always ready for the playoffs,” said Robles.

(Morgan Davis attempts to get around a Reed defender Tuesday during a 0-0 draw. Davis, a sophomore, is returning for her second year on varsity. / Ron Harpin)