Sisters act: Three sets of siblings provide Hannibal girls soccer team with depth, deeper connection

HANNIBAL, Mo. — From kicking the ball around on the field at halftime of their older siblings’ games to playing together on the same team on that same field, Aly and Marissa Falconer’s soccer journey has come full circle.

The youngest two of five siblings, Aly and Marissa attended their fare share of Hannibal soccer games played by their brother Gabe, who graduated in 2018 and was the Pirates’ starting goalkeeper his final two seasons, and sisters Kaylee and Bella, who graduated in 2020 and 2022 and played attacking midfield and forward, respectively.

“(We would) watch them play together and then at halftime, come out on the field and mess around,” Aly Falconer said.

Amidst those lighthearted moments, the examples her siblings set were not lost on Aly.

“They were really good role models for us to look up to, seeing them play together,” said Aly Falconer, a sophomore attacking midfielder. “We kind of play their same positions, so hopefully we can carry on what they did and help out the team.”

The same goes for Marissa, a freshman who primarily plays center midfield and is expected to fill in at several different spots this year, but she said her connection with Aly is extra strong.

“When it comes to sports, I definitely look up to my older siblings a lot, especially (Aly),” Marissa Falconer said.

While the two never played on the same club soccer team, they have shared a volleyball court for both their club team and high school team.

Aly said while playing volleyball together helped strengthen their bond, she wished they could have done the same in soccer before this season.

“Whenever we were playing club soccer, (Marissa) wasn’t allowed to play up, which kind of sucked because that definitely would have helped us,” Aly said. “We’ve built those connections through sports, but I’m really looking forward to how that plays out on the soccer field.”

As for if she and Marissa ever get into arguments, Aly gave a rather diplomatic answer.

“I’d say it’s more constructive criticism,” she said.

Marissa chimed in.

“Probably a little bit of both,” the younger sister said.

Whichever one it is, Aly said they have a good feel for which avenue to choose.

“We know when to get onto each other versus when to lift each other up,” she said.

That chemistry will be put to the test when the Falconer sisters take the field March 20 for the Pirates’ season-opening game against North Point.

“I’m just going to try to help in the best way I can — just being supportive, making runs,” Marissa Falconer said.

And Aly, who had double-digit goals and assists as a freshman, will be looking for her speedy sister in open space.

“I’ll be looking to get her the ball when I can, and she’ll hopefully be making those runs,” Aly said.

The Falconers will be joined on the pitch by two other pairs of sisters — Lauren and Lydia Munzlinger and Mikayla and Peyton Harsell.

Last season, Lauren Munzlinger and Mikayla Harsell played key roles at the defensive midfield and outside back positions as a junior and freshman, respectively. Freshman Lydia Munzlinger will provide goaltending depth behind starter Ava Turner, while freshman Peyton Harsell will likely carve out a role either starting or coming off the bench at center back.

The Munzlingers, while three years apart in age, have had the luxury of playing together for the Missouri Rush Soccer Club based in O’Fallon, Mo.

“We’ve played together for a few years now, but since it’s my last year, I’m really excited to play with her,” Lauren Munzlinger said.

That experience together has been invaluable.

“Playing on the field made us a lot stronger and made our relationship a lot more connected, and we’re a lot closer now,” Lydia Munzlinger said.

Lydia, who also occasionally plays on the back line, expects her freshman campaign to be one filled with growth, both mentally and physically.

“I look up to a lot of these girls,” Lydia said. “Their skill level is going to make me a lot better as a goalie and as a field player. There are a lot of different personalities and great friendships you can have.”

Like the Munzlingers, the Harsells have played together on club teams for several years.

“I’ve also played up kind of like how Lydia has been,” Peyton Harsell said. “Most of the time when we were younger, (Mikayla’s) team always needed players on the ‘08s. I was already going to be there another hour and a half for her, so I might as well.”

Peyton said those extra games alongside each other have helped hone some of the most important skills a defensive player can have.

“It helps a lot, especially with communication,” Peyton Harsell said. “That’s a big thing that you need. We’re defenders, and a lot of communication happens in the back.”

Mikayla Harsell said it has also created a sort of telepathy between the sisters.

“It made us more connected, and I feel like I know most of her moves before she does them,” she said. “I can tell what she’s doing better than most other girls.”

Hannibal coach Eric Hill hopes those sisterly connections and the plethora of returning experience — the Pirates did not have a senior on last year’s roster — will help them get over the postseason hump. Since 2013, the Pirates have finished every season at least eight games over .500, but they have not won a district title since 2014. The Pirates lost 3-2 in overtime to Fort Zumwalt East in last year’s district quarterfinal.

“We have to go one game at a time, but I really believe that if we are doing what we need to do at the end of the year, we’re a team that can compete for that district championship this year,” Hill said. “Then you’ve got the eight teams in the quarterfinals, and it’s anybody’s game. I think we have the potential, for sure. We’re just going to have to live up to expectations.”