By Chad Hayworth (for OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Carthage Lady Tigers will rely on a strong, veteran defense early in the season, as they look to rebuild their offensive third from last year's 11-11 team.
"Given what I've seen in the offseason, I feel like we are going to be strong in the defensive third," said coach Jessica Marquez, who enters her third season leading her alma mater. "We have strong seniors and an experienced junior returning."
Senior defensive midfielder Karla Macario joins with a center back tandem of senior Julissa Hernadez and junior Kimberly Herrera in front of senior goalkeeper Keime Mendoza.
"They build our diamond in the back," she said. "They can take charge and provide leadership from that back line."
A defensive-minded coach, Marquez said having proven defensive players makes rebuilding the offense an easier task. The Lady Tigers lost nine seniors to graduation, including All-Conference forward Estrellita Maldonado and midfielder Kimberly Monterroso.
"It seems like the past few years, we've had to rebuild our offense each year," she said. "I'm happy to see a strong defense and then continue to build from there."
Senior attacker Joanna Garcia is expected to take a bigger role this season in the Carthage attack, along with senior winger Flannery Shelfer and sophomore striker Bella Mejia.
"Right now, we are focused on building chemistry between those three," Marquez said.
A freshman, Zeilah Cifuentes, also may also figure into the offensive mix.
"She has some speed and ball skills," Marquez said. "We'll work to mesh her in with Joanna, Flannery and Bella."
Sophomore Arely Ordonez saw limited varsity playing time last season but should see more field time this spring in the midfield.
"I hope that varsity time last season helps to build her confidence, so she can help in the midfield with Karla and Joanna. Those three could give us a strong foundation in the middle," Marquez said.
Carthage opens the season at home March 26 against cross-county rival Carl Junction, before heading out the next day to face Kearney, Bolivar and Rogers, Ark., in the Branson Shootout.
"CJ is always a really good game, with it going back and forth the past few years," she said. "Then the Branson tournament is a good place for the girls to push themselves and understand that they are able to compete at that level. It also gives us a chance to see the areas we need to make adjustments before we play the rest of the season."
The Lady Tigers have added a new coach for 2026. Megan Rowe, a Joplin High School graduate who played at Missouri Southern State University before coaching at the club level, should help improve all of Carthage's goalkeepers.
"We are grateful to have her," Marquez said. "Watching her work in the offseason, she is willing to push the girls more than they are used to."
Carthage opens COC play against Kickapoo on Apri1 4 and will start playing the West division April 23 against the Webb City Cardinals.
