By Eric Frantz For The Dayton Daily News

BEAVERCREEK | Players fulfilling their roles have allowed Beavercreek's girls soccer program to go on one.

Undefeated through six games, Creek was ranked fifth in the initial Division I AP girls soccer state poll released this week. It's the fourth consecutive season the Beavers have appeared in the rankings.

"One thing in general that has made the program so strong is the 18 players on the roster all do a great job of contributing to the team's success," Creek coach Steve Popp said. "No matter what their role is, they fulfill it."

Despite adding eight new faces, the Beavers are again proving to be one of Dayton's premiere teams. Creek has won three straight Greater Western Ohio Conference East Division titles and has been the Dayton district No. 1 seed four straight seasons. Since the start of 2001, the Beavers are 70-9-7. Last year, they made the D-I state semifinals.

"It's tough to go out and be consistent night in and night out," Popp said. "But we've done a good job sustaining our success."

Early this fall, Creek has relied on a mixture of potent offense and stern defense. The Beavers have outscored opponents 31-1.

Senior Kristen Arnold and juniors Kelly Blumenschein and Meaghan Moran have picked up the slack offensively for two-time GWOC East player of the Year and 2005 graduate Ashley Upton. Blumenschein leads the Beavers in scoring (five goals and seven assists), while Moran, a move-in from Bellbrook, had three goals and two assists in a win over Trotwood-Madison. Moran was first team Southwestern Buckeye League last year, while Blumenschein earned the same nod in the GWOC East. Arnold, who played in the program as a freshman, is back after a two-year stint of select soccer in the fall.

Defensively senior goalie Sangeet Rattan has been strong, recording five shutouts. Junior Katie Skaleski returns at stopper where her 6-foot-1 frame provides an edge in the air. Juniors Micki Sumner (sweeper) and Lauren Fruhwirth (midfielder) add experience.

Winning a fourth GWOC East title in five years may prove to be a daunting task for Creek. Besides the defending champs, Wayne, Xenia and Centerville have the potential to win the conference and advance deep into the postseason. Wayne was a regional finalist last year while Xenia lost to Creek 1-0 in the district.

"Whenever you can win the league you feel good because this is a very good league," Popp said. "It's a cliché, but you better be ready to play every night because from top to bottom everyone has a chance to beat everyone else."

View Article at DDN