Hopefully the following weeks for the Oak Harbor High School soccer team will be better than the last.

The Wildcats, working to improve on last season’s 3-11-2 record (0-11-1 in Wesco), took a big hit when Boise State University recruit Jennifer Turnek suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Turnek, a first-team, all-conference player as a sophomore, was returning to the team after taking last season off to play club soccer.

The cupboard, however, is far from bare for coach Mike Lonborg as 10 letter winners return.

Back are seniors Caitlyn Torres, Courtney Coker, Taylor Edwards, Kyra McConaghy, Ebony Campbell, Gillian Crossley, Lydia Peplinski and Cloe Amsler; and juniors Caylie Etherington and Jenna Cooley.

“We will be very senior heavy this year,” Lonborg said. “Hopefully that experience will be a benefit to us once the games start.”

Lonborg is concerned about his defense, having to replace three of four starters. Two freshmen, Mikhaela Cortez and Gracie Hiteshew, may be forced into starting roles.

“We hope to have some firepower up top to take some of the pressure off the defense and work on possessing the ball more,” he said.

“Things have gone well so far,” he added. “The girls are working hard.”

For the season to be a success, according to Lonborg, the Wildcats need to qualify for the playoffs.

Oak Harbor goes on the road to play Squalicum at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6. The home opener is 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, with Anacortes.