After 2022 Runner-Up Finish, Dutch Boys Seeking Strong Follow-Up
A strong senior class departs the Class 2A state runners-up in boys soccer as they leap to Class 3A with several returning faces as well. Head Coach Mark Solomon says an all-time individual great in Isaac Semini’s departure and the rest of an impressive group of graduates (Preston Rowe, Levi Van Dusseldorp, Logan Schroeder, Cody Johnston, Connor Hamilton, John DeBruin, and Tyler Killoren) were key in getting the Dutch to the championship game last spring, but there are several players coming back that also give him optimism that 2023 can be special in its own way.
All-Tournament team members Logan Solomon and Teddy Apostolopoulos among many who were contributors last spring and will be top players this season. Other varsity players with playing experience back for Coach Solomon and Co. is Forward Austin Bone (10 goals, four assists), Defender Max Lauman (21 starts), Midfielder Isaac Kalkwarf, Aren Hellbush, Camden Bryngelson, Levi Hansen, and Kolton Messer. Offensively, Pella returns 37 of the 61 goals it scored from 2022.
Pella’s schedule starts strong, with recent state qualifiers Marion, Norwalk, and DCG among their early season tests, and the vast majority of their home matches coming after mid-April. The Dutch will have the challenge of playing in a new Class 3A in the postseason, and some contenders came from the previous 3A group to mix with some of the traditional powers Pella sees in the Little Hawkeye Conference and other corners of Iowa.
The Dutch boys soccer team open the season at Winterset this Thursday.
Pella Girls Soccer Aiming for Return to Top of Class 2A
A program rich in tradition is eyeing what has been an elusive 14th all-time trip to the state tournament and will fight to get back to the top of the Little Hawkeye Conference.
The Pella Girls Soccer team is hopeful a year of improvement from several contributors will give them the firepower necessary to accomplish some big goals, according to Head Coach Mark Howard. Speaking of — Abby Warner is one of the best scorers in Iowa (34 goals in 2022) and is only entering her junior season. Warner is a multiple-time All-State selection in her first two seasons and enters 2023 as a threat to be the top goal getter in Class 2A. Claire Smock split time between tennis and a freshman, and scored five goals as a strong second option when teams keyed on Warner. In fact, all 49 goals scored in 2022 were all from underclassmen.
Pella’s defensive back line is also a strength, with two-time All-State honoree and Senior Haley Van Houweling patrolling the net (183 saves, 86.3% conservation rate), and a ton of experienced defenders in Mia Warner, Tatum Carlstone, and Eliza Van Zee return as well. Class of ‘23 Graduates Kaylee Van Polen and Anneka Stoltzfus provide a ton of playing time and wisdom in the mid field (each had four assists last spring).
The Dutch are chasing 2023 4A state champions and conference title winners Dallas Center-Grimes and league runner-up and 4A semifinalist Norwalk at the top of the always difficult Little Hawkeye Conference, both of whom did graduate their best scoring threats from those 2022 teams.
Pella’s girls open the season tonight against Winterset on the road.