McFarlane stepping forward this spring

Four graduated seniors — Megan Klitzke, Morgan Klitzke, Sarah Dickmann and Teagan Monfils — combined for 66 of Shawano’s 75 goals in 2016.

Losing that core group means the team’s top defender for the past two seasons, Colleen McFarlane, will move up the field for the Hawks this year.

“A lot of the names you just mentioned controlled the field pretty well, so I’ve got to get somebody else to step up,” Shawano head coach Bob Croschere said. “Hopefully three or four more of them to step up and actually take those command positions on the field.”

McFarlane, who roamed the field as a defender and defensive midfielder last year, has become a vocal leader for Shawano, which finished last year 8-10-2 overall, 4-5-2 in the Bay Conference, and advanced to sectional play for the first time in program history.

The senior is keeping things positive and helping communication on the field. She also needs to avoid doing too much and to trust those around her to do their jobs.

“A lot of times I’ll end up like trying to cover other positions on the field,” McFarlane said. “So I need to focus on just playing my one and let everyone else do their job.”

With the offense in transition, senior goalkeeper Carlie Hinnefeld will be counted on more this season.

Hinnefeld, a four-year starter, has gained Croschere’s trust.

“I think this is going to be a big year for her with all the changes offensively, possession-wise, and defensively, possibly the other changes we’re making that she’s going to need to step up big,” Croschere said.

Lindsey Roloff and Sydney Steinbach, who, like McFarlane, each found the back of the net twice last year, will be expected to take on larger roles this spring, along with juniors Niki Hoefs and Morgan Meyers.

Prior to Tuesday’s opener against Pulaski, the Hawks will be figuring out everyone’s roles and how to work together.

“We have to work on our communication, but once we get our new formation down, I think the movement we have and the team chemistry between our players is good,” McFarlane said.

The Hawks got by Mosinee in the WIAA Division 3 regional final in penalty kicks last year, then fell to Seymour, 5-0, in the sectional semifinal.

Croschere believes the confidence of the postseason run can carry over into this year.

“I expect to win games still,” Croschere said. “I think we should be competitive with a lot of teams in our conference.”