Dragons Loaded With Talent

Taking over the reins of the Lake Placid girls soccer team was made much easier for first-year coach John Merlo with an abundance of talent back from last year's district runner-up squad.

Merlo, who took over after Elizabeth Sottile stepped down after last season, was the Green Dragon boys junior varsity coach the last few years.

Leading the way for Lake Placid is senior midfielder Erica Resendiz, who led the Green Dragons in scoring last season and was selected as Highlands Today's All-Heartland Player of the Year.

"We've got a good group of girls back, with Erica leading the way," said Merlo. "She is a co-captain, runs our offense from her center midfielder position and has scored three goals and assisted on two others.

"She is a great ball handler, has good speed and sees the field well."

Seniors Maribel Garza, Julie Shrewsbury and Amy Brewington provide plenty of experience for the Green Dragon offense and Ashley Paeplow, who is in her first year of soccer, has made an immediate impact on defense.

"Maribel has good speed and quickness, Julie is a leader and very athletic and Amy gives us another scoring option," said Merlo. "Ashley is in her first year of soccer, but has already earned a starting position and has really solidified our defense.

"Our experience and speed at midfield allows us to be aggressive in our offensive attack, and that can be risky, but we want to pressure opposing defenses until they make a mistake."

Junior forward Yuribia Terrones has scored a team-high six goals in just three games for the Green Dragons.

"Yuribia is a solid player with excellent footwork," said Merlo. "She knows the game and has a very strong shot.

"She has the ability to score from any spot on the field."

Lake Placid is in a competitive Class 3A-District 8, which includes Frostproof, McKeel Academy and Mulberry.

The Green Dragons were district runner-up last year and advanced to the regional quarterfinals where they lost to eventual state runner-up Lake Highland Prep.

"Coach Sottile did a great job with the girls the last few years and I've got a lot of talent to work with," said Merlo. "We're in a very competitive district, but it's a lot easier to implement my system because the girls are so experienced.

"It's allowed me to throw a lot at them, but the girls take it all in stride and make it work."

Eva Ramirez is a freshman, but has earned the starting nod at sweeper.

"You rarely see freshmen start on varsity, but Eva grew up playing soccer and is a natural on the field," Merlo said. "I coached her in youth soccer leagues and she does a good job of clearing the ball."

In goal is sophomore Sarah Thompson.

"We had a tryout for goalie and Sarah did an outstanding job," said Merlo. "She has good reflexes and instincts and will improve with each match."

Lake Placid has all the ingredients for a successful season.

"We have talent and ability and the girls have a great work ethic," Merlo said. "Our first four games are on the road, but that gives us a lot of home games later in the season.

"We're taking it one step at a time, but with our skill level and commitment, we have a chance to make this a special season."