WARSAW – It wasn’t long ago that Liz VanWormer played soccer without much fanfare. Playing alongside the top goal scorer in Warsaw’s program history, Meredith Hollar, a then-freshman in VanWormer was able to contribute quietly while teams worried about Hollar.

Fast forward four years, and VanWormer is garnering all the worry from opposing defenses. VanWormer has taken on the role of goal scorer for Warsaw, but her presence on the pitch isn’t imposing, or what one might expect of a potential All-State candidate.

VanWormer presents all sorts of problems to defenses and goalkeepers by playing smart. Without a lot of size, she isn’t easily detectable on the pitch. Possessing a tremendous first touch, along with a keen presence of space, the senior is able to create her own space off the dribble or find space in buildups. With defenses now planning for and draping around her, this season could be her most creative yet.

“It’s hard when you get double-teamed all game, but you just have to be patient,” VanWormer said. “I’ve been blessed to play on some really good teams so I don’t feel like I need to do all the work. If I believe in myself and my teammates, we should be able to do this. Doesn’t matter who we are playing.”

Charging at full speed wasn’t the only way No. 10 cashed in. VanWormer possesses an uncanny ability to score off the direct kick, and did so with deadly precision in the sectional tournament in a full display against NorthWood. VanWormer scored four goals off a 30-yard free kick, a penalty kick, a one-touch from a through ball pass and dribbled through the Panther defense before unleashing a rocket.

“I have a goal at home that me and my dad use,” VanWormer said. “We get out and shoot. The key to taking direct kicks is being calm and finding your spot. Dad and I work on those all the time. I think I could credit the work at home for why I’m able to score in different ways.”

The supporting cast for the Lady Tigers is as good as any around, and will need to be to contend with a loaded competition schedule. Head coach Peter Lucht’s squad returns all sorts of talent, but VanWormer is the lone senior starter. Juniors Breck Jackson and Rachel McClelland will shore up the defense and classmate Julie Frazzetta provides a third year of varsity wing support.

The sophomore core is loaded, with midfielders Alex Koontz and Brenna Shipley and forward Sydney Wiedeman all with a year of varsity starting experience. Chloe Snow will slot into the goal, fresh off a club championship.

Lucht is also blessed with a very talented freshman group, with Dayle Harvey, Anna Reimink, Anna Grill and Anna Sullivan all with the potential to crack the starting 11 right away.

“Our depth this year is going to make us better than last year, at least on paper,” Lucht said. “These girls took that loss to Goshen to heart, and they are hungry. We have a lot of quality on this roster, both in experienced players and the girls coming in. I really like our core freshmen, and we have a lot of solid returners. We have been blessed with talent, and the girls are ready to fight for it.”

Warsaw, which finished 13-3 last season and won its fifth straight sectional title and eighth overall, opens its 2015 schedule Monday at Fort Wayne Carroll, which lost in the Class 2-A state Final Four to eventual champion Fishers.

Wawasee Warriors

Key Returners: Sarah Lancaster, Darrian Rosenberry, Savannah Schwartz, Leigh-Ann Shrack, Nicole Streby

Key Losses: Caitlin Clevenger

Key Newcomers: Kendra Doerr, Meg Heinisch, Sara Pritchard

Coach Heinisch’s Comments: “The players know what to expect now, and what we need to do on the field. We have 30 kids, more mature kids. Just having 30 kids is a step up, two years ago we only had 12.”

Whitko Wildcats

Key Returners: N/A

Key Losses: Heather Bryan, Reghan Craig, Kathy Eberly, Bridgette Thomson

Key Newcomers: N/A

Coach Sims’ Comments: “It looks like we are going to have 16 on the roster this year, five of which are returning seniors. Three are incoming freshmen and one sophomore first-time player. Everyone will contribute to the team looking forward.”