Women soccer Saints add pair of local recruits for next season

While softball squad bringing in Ontario Summer Games medallist

The St. Clair Saints women's soccer team announced a pair of recruits for next season on Friday, while the softball squad also announced one new addition.

St. Anne high school product Natalie Kersey, who plays striker, will join the Saints along with Tilbury's Siera Lapos, who plays in the midfield.

“These two players have been on my radar for the last two years,” Saints' women's soccer head coach Steve Vagnini said in a release. “They both have the talent and mindset that I look for to add to our program.

“Natalie will give us speed and a dangerous and relentless mentality to score goals. Sierra gives us that smooth, calm, decision maker that will allow us to be stronger in the midfield.”

The five-foot Kersey, from Belle River, is a striker with extensive club experience that includes time with Windsor TFC.

“Having played soccer with many of the women (on the St. Clair team) for a long time, I look forward to continuing our strong relationships there,” Kersey said in a release.

The five-foot-three Lapos has helped Chatham Ursuline high school to back-to-back SWOSSAA finals. She has also played for Windsor TFC along with the Liverpool Academy in Michigan.

“The coaching staff made me feel very welcome and I am looking forward to being challenged to be the best player I can be and helping lead the Saints to a provincial championship,” Lapos said in a release.

Meanwhile, Brampton's Zahnyah Jackson is set to join the softball team next season.

The five-foot-seven Jackson can play at catcher as well as in the outfield and played club softball with the Oakville Angels. She also won an Ontario Summer Games bronze medal.

“She is a left-handed hitter who sprays the ball to all fields and will add depth to our catcher position as she has an outstanding arm and outstanding speed,” Saints softball head coach Doug Wiseman said in a release. “She brings versatility with her defensive ability not only being the plate, but also in the outfield.”