Thursday is the 2024 opener for the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk girls soccer team when they travel to Spartan Stadium to meet Solon. The Golden Hawk girls are coming off of a season where they tied the school record with 11 victories against seven losses. A year ago, Mid-Prairie scored 45 goals as a team and gave up 38, finishing with 26 assists, 228 shots on goal, 225 saves and an 86% save percentage overall. The Golden Hawks have to replace five seniors, including their top two scorers from last year’s squad, Amara Jones and Sophia Baker who finished with a combined 19 goals. Leading returner is Zoey Curtiss with seven goals a season ago. The Hawks top assister, Elise Gingerich returns after seven helpers as a freshman which tied her with Miller for the team lead. Gingerich was also second on the team a year ago with 40 shots on goal. Miller was also an important piece for the Hawks in goal with 720 minutes, 105 saves and an 88% save percentage, splitting time with Niva Helmuth who does return after posting 708 minutes on the back line as a freshman with 120 saves and an 83% save percentage.

Solon is 1-0 this year after start the season Monday with a 3-1 win at home over Iowa City Regina, getting goals from Rose McAtee, Silvie Hendricks and Tali Radcliffe, an assist from Sofia Ortega and a four save performance in goal for Audrey Heineman. A year ago, the Spartans were led by Morgan Link’s 19 goals, McAtee is the top returner with nine last season. Gabby Knipper is back after tying for the team lead last season with four assists. Heineman is replacing outgoing keeper Alex Paisley who finished last season with 1200 minutes, 51 saves and a 79% save percentage. These two teams met a season ago in Solon with the Spartans scoring a 7-0 shut out win. Action starts tonight at 5:30p.m. at Spartan Stadium.