Oxford Hills Christian Academy wraps up its soccer season

SOUTH PARIS — Oxford Hills Christian Academy soccer team recently wrapped up its season. The team is open to OHCA students and homeschoolers in grades 7-12. This year’s team of 16 players was coached for the third year in a row by Michelle Wheeler and Holly Corning and joined for the first time by Crystal Conant. They wish to express their appreciation to the Veterans’ Home on High Street for again providing them with their home field as well as new nets this year.

The Eagles’ soccer team had a 5-4-1 regular season, with a total of 52 goals scored. Captains Ben Field on offense and Emerson Rancan at center midfield were the team’s top scorers with 36 goals between them. While the team appreciated the scoring prowess of their captains, they were just as thrilled when Colleen Kostovick, an eighth grader, scored five goals, and when Hope Proctor, in seventh grade, scored her first goal ever.

The Eagles’ keepers this season were Steve Corning, a senior at OHCA, and Edson Rancan, a freshman homeschooler. Corning had 49 saves during the season, followed closely by Rancan with 45. There were also a few spectacular saves by defenders Rachel Field, a senior, and Gabe Olson, a freshman.

For the first time in the history of OHCA the varsity soccer team made it past the quarterfinals to the semifinals where they played Pine Tree Academy in Freeport. After a bolt of lightning interrupted the game, followed by a half-hour pause, the teams retook the field under triple rainbows. After an excellent game, OHCA lost 1-4.

Coaches Wheeler, Corning and Conant wish to thank their team for an excellent season characterized by hard work, great attitudes and sportsmanship. Graduating seniors, Steve Corning, keeper; Rachel Field, defender and Mary Mers-Kelly, defender, will be missed next year as well as will Emerson, Emily and Edson Rancan, who will be returning to Africa in the new year.

Soccer Team Photo:

OHCA SOCCER TEAM — Back: Crystal Conant, coach, Cody Thorpe, Gavin Booker, Mary Mers-Kelly, Tiana Menders, Steve Corning, Colleen Kostovick, Hope Proctor, Jacob Yates, Rachel Marston, Gabe Olson, Jerry Said, Michelle Wheeler, coach, and Holly Corning, coach. Front: Emily Rancan, Team Captains Rachel Field, Emerson Rancan and Ben Field and Edson Rancan.