Brelje hat trick leads Cyclone girls past Creston, 5-3

HARLAN -- In a way, the 2016 girls soccer season began just like last year for Harlan Community - with a two-goal victory over Creston.
 The next step for Coach Jared Boysen’s squad will be building on Tuesday’s 5-3 win at Merrill Field and improving on last year’s disappointing 5-13 overall record.
 Boysen, for one, believes there is reason for optimism.
 The 2015 Cyclones were hampered by injuries and close losses all season long, including the absence of a key goal-scoring threat, Michaela Bissen, to a knee injury. Bissen, who scored nine goals as a freshman in 2014, is back in the lineup this year, along with last season’s top scorer, Haley Arkfeld (8 goals).
 Another offensive weapon is junior Jenna Brelje, who produced a three-goal hat trick Tuesday and led the team with six shots on goal.
 Add in another speed threat in senior newcomer Mercedee Mayberry and the Cyclones will certainly have multiple offensive weapons with the ability to strike quickly on a break-away.