MONTAGUE — Montague knew after graduating 13 senior stars from its 2025 team that this season was likely to be a "growing season," said coach Chris Aebig. Results like Wednesday's 8-0 defeat at the hands of West Michigan Conference power North Muskegon were in play, especially given the experience gap between the teams.
Aebig and the team have stressed a positive mindset and a focus on what improvements are being made, rather than focusing on the negatives of losses like the ones against the Norse and Ludington, the two top WMC teams last year and longtime powers.
"We're growing and we're developing," Aebig said. "Every day is a new adventure. We keep our eyes in front of us and focus on controlling what we can control. The outcome's not what we wanted. We played against a really good team, a seasoned team. I think there's nine or 10 seniors over there on that team, and we start six or eight sophomores and a couple freshmen...We're just focused on being the best that we can be each match."
Montague (3-3, 0-2 WMC) held up reasonably well against the attacking Norse early in the game and were down 3-0 in the 34th minute when a miraculous shot from the far post somehow defied a poor angle and snuck into the net to make it 4-0.
North Muskegon also scored twice off set plays, a sign of a veteran team much unlike the Wildcats, who are working several new faces into key positions.
Another symptom of that experience gap, Aebig noted, is physically noticeable; the Norse were simply a lot taller and stronger, which made it easier for them to overpower Montague in loose ball situations.
"We saw the same thing in Ludington," Aebig said, referencing last week's game. "When we played (them)...Our girls are about a foot shorter. You can look across the field, and it's like you don't have to see the jerseys. You know which one each team is. We're going to grow in the sport, but we're also going to grow in our physical attributes as well."
While that growth occurs, Montague's young team is building its culture, and from that perspective, both Aebig and senior captain Lilly Rice are enjoying the process.
"I think there's a lot of try with these girls," Rice said. "They all want it just as bad as the (opponents). I think there are moments that are really, really good. (We're) just continuing to focus on the good and not hang our heads over the small things that need Improvement."
Delaney Young and Alexandra Johnson each scored twice for North Muskegon in the game, though Montague keeper Sara Zorrilla made a few impressive saves as well.
Only time will tell if Montague will be on the short end of many more games like Wednesday's as the team continues its maturation in the sport, but the team's focus on its development won't waver either way.
"I'm looking forward to growing with this team, and seeing how far a lot of the young girls can improve and continue to make the best out of what we have, and keep looking for success," Rice said.
