By BUTCH HARMON
Over the past several seasons, the Rockford girls soccer program has developed some fine teams. This year, however, the Rams may have their best squad yet.
Ranked fifth in the state in Division 1 in the final poll of the regular season, the Rams finished the regular season with a 15-2-1 record after reaching the OK Red Conference finals where they fell to state-ranked East Kentwood. Playing one of the most challenging schedules in West Michigan, the Rams enjoyed a successful regular season.
“We’ve had a nice year,” coach Steve Thomas said. “Our strong point has been our team chemistry. We have great team unity. We have more of a family atmosphere. The girls are close-knit on the field and off the field, and that has been a big key. It is not just about soccer. That family atmosphere has brought us closer and made us a better team.”
Heading into the season, expectations were high for the team. The Rams returned 13 players from last year’s squad, including a strong seven-person senior core.
“A lot of these girls play club soccer, so they play soccer the year round,” Thomas said. “They have a lot of soccer experience and that really helps.”
Senior Jordyn Ryfiak has led the way for the Rams. She paced the Rams in scoring this season and entered the state tournament with over 20 goals for the season and over 35 points.
The Rockford senior class also includes goalkeeper Mikaela Harrell; defenders Kaitlin Mokosak and Sam Anderson; and midfielders Mikayla Goldsmith, Katie McCabe, and Erica Scott.
The Rams battled adversity after they lost Scott to an ACL injury midway through the season.
While the Rams have enjoyed a strong offensive attack led by Ryfiak and juniors Katie Hartnett and Erika Bradfield, the play of their defense has also been key.
The Rams are solid in goal with Harrell and juniors Sarah Vrosh and Marissa Platz. Anchoring the defense in front of the keepers has been junior Gabi Pilgrim along with Anderson and Goldsmith. The Rockford defense had to overcome the loss of junior Brenna Cojeen, who missed the season due to an injury.