Edwardsville having a successful boys' soccer season is simply expected now.
The Tigers, who have won 12 regionals since 2000 and have lost in the playoffs to the eventual state runner-up two straight seasons, got off to a 5-1 start this season. During that run, Edwardsville outscored the opposition 16-3, according to coach Mark Heiderscheid.
This year's roster includes seven players with starting experience from last season. That includes senior defender Matt Busse, and junior defenders Zach Timmerman and Daniel Hentz, who form the nucleus of the back line. Seniors Mohammed Hamad, Michael Glisson and Michael Pichiotti, and juniors Bayne Noll and Alec Mills return to provide offensive firepower.
CIVIC MEMORIAL
The Eagles, who went 2-18 last season, got off to a strong 5-1 start this season, which included winning the Metro Cup.
According to coach Derek Jarman, junior Kaleb Bassett scored 12 goals in the first six games, while junior Keante Hardimon had eight assists.
Jacoby Robinson and Trevor Panyik, two of the team's three seniors, are captains along with junior Kameron Denney.
GIRLS TENNIS
METRO-EAST LUTHERAN
The Knights started the season 3-3-1.
All six players from last season are back this year for the Knights. Senior Heather Moore-Malec was 12-8 last year playing at No. 1 and classmate Cierra Frields was 6-1 playing primarily at No. 2.
Sophomores Tori Roderick and Amber Keplar are 4-1 at No. 3 doubles.
Other returners are sophomores Kathryn Butler and Maycen O’Leary.
ALTON HIGH SCHOOL
Alton started 3-1 this season, according to interim coach Jesse Macias.
No. 1 singles Abby Fischer, No. 2 Hannah Macias and Sam Clayton were All-Southwestern Conference selections last season, when the Redbirds went 8-6. Letter winner Lucy Phillips also is back.
The team is young this season, with 17 sophomores and freshmen.
CIVIC MEMORIAL
The Eagles entered the season with 16 players on the roster, which includes eight seniors and juniors.
Seniors on the squad are Kylee Thoroughman, Gwen Lewis and Samantha Mann.
EDWARDSVILLE
The No. 1 doubles team of Morgan Colbert and Grace Desse started the season with an 8-1 record, according to the Tigers' website.
The team of Annie McGinnis and Noni Updyke is 3-3 at No. 3 doubles. Abby Cimarolli is 4-4, with most of her play at No. 2 singles.
Note: Not all teams returned information before this article went to press.
Alerts Sign-up