By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Tia Casadaban scored two goals as the East St. John Lady Wildcats opened their soccer season with a 4-1 victory at Independence last Wednesday.

Amanda Tamplain and Erica Latient each scored a goal in the game.

East St. John led 4-0 at the half, and Wildcats Coach Jason Beber subbed in his younger players in order to get them some in-game experience in the second half.

“This isn’t the most experienced team we’ve had, but it is very talented,” said Beber. “We’re really young, mainly sophomores and juniors. We lost six seniors from last year’s team and it’s hard to replace that leadership.”

Early success is often critical to a young team’s mental makeup, so opening up with a victory was a big plus in more ways than one for Beber.

“Wins right now are vital,” said Beber. “They help confidence. The younger girls right now are seeing how the hard the older girls work to be able to score goals. It’s a good learning experience for them.”

East St. John will next play at Riverside on Dec. 1, then at Terrebonne on Dec. 3.