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They sound good at the beginning of the season. But they occasionally ring hollow at the end.

It was that kind of year for the Kalkaska High School girls soccer team this spring.

Coach Andrei Henegariu knew the Blazers would have a difficult time battling for the Lake Michigan Conference title, and he was proven correct.

But, he felt that there was a good possibility the Blazers could sneak into the third place spot, or at least finish with a winning record.

Unfortunately, none of that came to pass.

After a decent enough start to the season, Kalkaska flamed out about the midway point and Henegariu struggled to bring the fire back in his team.

Despite all of his efforts, the Blazers did not regain their former aggressiveness on offense and that doomed them to a below .500 season mark.

"I believe the results speak for themselves," Henegariu said after the Blazers were elmininated from the post-season tournament, 8-0 by Elk Rapids, in the first round of districts.

"I thought we were better than some other teams in our league, but we did not come up with the wins. It was our second year with varsity soccer.

"But, I was very proud of the girls, no matter if they won or lost. They gave a good effort all the time."

Their slump at the end of the season doomed the Blazers to a lower division finish in the conference, and an early exit from the tournament.

Still, there were some reasons to cheer this year, especially for some individual players who came away with conference and team awards.

Catherine Belcher earned a spot on the All- Conference Team, while Rachel Moore received an Honorable Mention and was voted by the team for Best Leadership.

Tabatha Nurenberg and Arica Black shared the Most Improved Player award, Hanna Lantzer was voted the Most Dedicated and Avery Diola the Most Valuable Player.

Diola led the Blazers in scoring this season. Henegariu announced that he would not be returning as coach next year.

Moore, Black and Janelle Patton graduated this year. But the new coach will have Diola and the balance of the team returning for his/ her first season.