2007 PAC Women's Soccer Preview

BETHANY BISON (4-12-1 Overall, 2-4-0 PAC in 2006)
With 12 returning players and a new head coach in Barry Christmas, the Bethany College women’s soccer program is striving towards improving from last year’s 4-12-1 record and possibly earning a berth in the Presidents' Athletic Conference Tournament in 2007.

Although he had a late start with his new team, as he wasn’t named head coach until March, productive spring training sessions and a strong recruiting class helped Christmas and the Bison make positive strides towards the upcoming season.

“Our spring training went well and provided me with an opportunity to build a relationship with the team from a coaching standpoint,” said Christmas, who had been the Bethany men’s assistant for two years prior to earning the women’s head position. “The enthusiasm of the players was pleasing and their willingness to apply themselves to a new environment was encouraging. The positive attitude the players demonstrated towards accepting change was a credit to them.

“As the training sessions progressed, the quality of play improved and this will hopefully be an indication of how our fall season unfolds,” said Christmas.

Christmas will have a chance to mix a large recruiting class with his group of returning players, as 14 newcomers will round out the Bison roster. A class that size, which Christmas credits the efforts of assistant coach Maggie Kuhn for maintaining the recruitment efforts, means there will be a lot of competition for playing time during camp, especially at keeper. Two veterans return, including senior Jessica Alloggia, a two-year starter who missed last season while studying overseas, and junior Courtney Teets, who notched two shutouts last season.

“We have a fairly large incoming class which is a credit to Maggie, who managed to keep the recruiting going when there was no head coach in place,” said Christmas. “The incoming class will create competition for places all over the field, which is an environment in practice that will enable Maggie and I to motivate players to be driven at all times. Having a starting spot will not be a guarantee, as we will have options at our disposal.

“The first example of our options is in the goalkeeper role, which is great for us,” said Christmas. “Courtney had experience last year, Jess returns and we have freshmen who have played at a solid standard in Sam Doby, Alicia Wayne and Eileen Campbell.”

The defensive corps in front of the net will be a blend of experience and youth. Two seniors are back to headline the group, including Meredith Coyne (left) and Brittany Lipinski, both of whom played in all 17 games a season ago. An injury to sophomore Amber Yarnell will keep her out this season, which paves the way for an eager trio of freshmen to earn time in the back.

The midfield is where the Bison look to be the most experienced. Juniors Ruthie Pettle, who had two goals and two assists last season, Rachael Katsur, who assisted on two goals, and Kristen Stewart, who finished with one goal and one assist, will provide the most experience. Sophomore Megan Cook (Wheeling, W.Va./Wheeling Central), who started all 17 games as a freshman, is also back, and as many as five newcomers will be vying for time as well.

"In the middle, we will be expecting Ruthie, Lisa Wabrick, Megan and Rachael to shoulder much of the creative responsibility,” said Christmas. “Assisting with the workload in the engine of the team will be Kristen and Sarah Zavatski. Freshman who will create the competition for places will be Alex Frankhouser, Jordan Kirby, and Michelle McGinley.”

Where Bethany will be a little thin in terms of college experience is up front. Sophomore Kortni Collins is the leading returning scorer from this spot, as she notched two goals and one assist in 2006, but Christmas is high on sophomore Jena Hatmaker, who notched one goal in seven games as a freshman. With junior Emily Bota and senior Kelly Frey back as well to go along with three freshmen, there should be plenty of competition for Bethany’s goal-scoring opportunities.

“In attack, Jena has the potential to be a game winner,” said Christmas. “She is a strong physical presence who can create space for herself to shoot or bring supporting players around her into the game. Kortni gained valuable experience last season and, with that to draw upon, she too can create problems for opposing defenders. Complimenting these two with her pace will be Emily and Kelly will also be looking to contribute on the goal scoring front. Incoming freshmen who will also be attacking options are Kayla Wirick, Brittany Hodge and Roya Rabie.”

The Bison have narrowly missed out on PAC Tournament play each of the last two seasons, finishing fifth both years. So while it’s a fairly easy goal for Christmas and his team to set to break through and reach the conference tourney, the program will be setting other goals as the season goes along.

“In the last two seasons, Bethany just missed out on a berth in the playoffs finishing one spot outside the top four, so an obvious goal for this season would be to get into the tournament,” said Christmas. “I think goal setting is important, so the players and coaching staff can set criteria to measure the success of the season against.  I am aware that it is a result driven scale for the most part, but we will discuss in detail as a program where we see ourselves going and helping change the attitude of players to believing we are top four material.

“That process won’t happen overnight, but if we can stay healthy and ensure we are difficult to beat by being organized defensively in our early schedule prior to entering conference play and stick together in periods of adversity, then I feel the ingredients are there to make positive strides forward.”

CHATHAM COUGARS (5-12-2 Overall in 2006)
Chatham returns nine players from the 2006 squad which finished fourth in the Atlantic Women’s Colleges Conference (AWCC).  The Cougars are looking forward to their first season of competition in the PAC.

Fourth-year head coach, Jaime Retersdorf will rely on a young nucleus of players as she has only one senior and one junior on the roster.  Senior Halley Brus has been a stand-out performer throughout her career.  She finished second on the team in points scored in 2006 and earned all conference recognition in the AWCC in each of her first three seasons.  Chatham also returns junior Amie Matthews who has been a two-year starter in the midfield.

Chatham returns two other top scorers from the 2006 squad.  Sophomore Chrissy Fiori will look to build on her team-high 18 points in 2006.  Fellow sophomore Kristie Brannon tied with Brus for second in points scored with 17.

First team all AWCC selection Karian Wise (right) will anchor the defense with Maggie Leathers and Courtney Korzeniowski.  Sophomore Kristin Podboy will compete for playing time in goal.  Podboy earned the position late in the 2006 season and turned in stellar performances during the AWCC play-offs.

Chatham opens the season at home when it hosts Hilbert College.  The Cougars will open PAC action when they travel to Waynesburg on September 29^th.

GENEVA GOLDEN TORNADOES (6-12 Overall in 2006)
Another changing of the guard has taken place a top Geneva’s women’s soccer program. Linda Sumner becomes the third head coach for the Golden Tornadoes in four years. As Sumner prepares for her first season at the helm, Geneva will try to improve upon a 6-12 record from a year ago.

For Sumner and the Golden Tornadoes, it will rely heavily on a solid core of players that are returning in 2007. In fact, three of Geneva’s returning stars were recognized as All-Conference performers last year. Nicole Beadling and Kelsey Anderson (left) in the midfield and Jenna Witkowski up front all received post-season honors.

In addition to seniors Beadling and Witkowski, Geneva will also look for production from senior midfielder Abby Young. Additional help will come from sources like Amanda Munsch and Melissa Brooks up front. In the midfield, Amanda Caler is once again set to return from a season ending knee injury. Caler will be joined by Jamie Gessner in the midfield.

Geneva’s defense, which will have to overcome the loss of All-Conference recipient Lisa Drentkiewicz, will get a lift from transfer Amy Lasure. Other returning defensive players include Katherine Bull and Allison Berlin.

“Our program is pretty fortunate to have so much experience returning this year,” said Sumner. “As a new coach to the program it is at least somewhat refreshing to know we will have some kids that have played at the college level and can help some of our younger players make the transition.”

Another strength of the 2007 team will be its stability in goal. Junior Amber Weaver has started all but one game in goal for the Golden Tornadoes in the past two seasons. She has recorded every victory in goal for Geneva during both the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

“Your defense starts from the goalie position out,” said Sumner. “We feel like we have a solid defensive group, but without question we will rely on Amber’s experience and talent in goal throughout the season.”

Geneva’s women will take their first trip around the Presidents’ Athletic Conference this season as a member of NCAA Division III. “We are excited about the move into the PAC,” said Sumner. “I believe most of our girls are familiar with the schools we will be competing against and that certainly makes it a bit more special. We have a very competitive group of young ladies and in just a short time I have seen some tremendous talent and work ethic across the board.”
 

Change is certainly nothing new to the Geneva women’s soccer program, but in 2007 the Golden Tornadoes may look to change their results from a year ago. With a new coach at the helm and a new conference to play against, one thing remains the same for Geneva women’s soccer. These athletes will work hard on and off the field everyday and will not let up.

GROVE CITY WOLVERINES (9-7-2 Overall, 3-1-2 PAC in 2006)
The members of the Grove City College women’s soccer team won’t have to spend too much time in preseason camp learning their teammates’ names this year.

That’s because Grove City returns 20 letterwinners, including two veteran goalkeepers, for the 2007 season. With such an experienced collection of players back in the fold, the Wolverines are in prime position to challenge for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference title and a postseason berth.

A pair of seniors returns from last year’s 9-7-2 campaign. Midfielder Bethany Peck and defender Alix Flowers are both back for their final seasons at Grove City.

Peck is a three-year starter while Flowers is a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner. Both will be counted on heavily during the 2007 season.

Senior Elizabeth Telep will also compete for a spot in the lineup after lettering in both 2004 and 2005.

The Wolverines will also rely on a 10-player junior class this fall. Seven of the 10 players are two-year letterwinners, including goalkeepers Diana Pragel (right) and Bethany Preston.

Pragel earned First Team All-PAC and D3Kicks.com All-Region honors following the 2006 season. Preston, meanwhile, made 14 starts as a freshman in 2005 and also combined with Pragel on four shutouts last year.

Junior forward Laura Shipley earned All-PAC status as a freshman and will again be a key offensive threat this fall.

Midfielders Rebecca Hurley and Anne Koller have both played extensively over the last two seasons, as has junior defender Sara Griffin.

Griffin also emerged as an offensive weapon in 2006, scoring twice and assisting on four other goals.

Versatile junior Trisha Griffith is also back after lettering in each of the last two seasons. She will compete for a starting post this season.

Junior forward Stephanie Wild led Grove City in scoring last year and earned First Team All-PAC. Wild accumulated nine goals and 21 points as a first-year sophomore last year. She will again be a primary cog in Grove City’s attack this year.

Junior defender Kristin Colley started all 18 matches in 2006 and earned her first letter. She helped Grove City tally six shutouts last season.

Midfielder Esther Harclerode, another one-year letterwinner, played in 14 matches as a sophomore and will compete for a spot in the lineup this fall.

Nine sophomores are also back after solid rookie seasons in 2006. Sophomore forward Michelle Peck led Grove City with five assists last year. Peck also scored seven goals and ranked second on the team with 19 points.

Defender Elise Bender made six starts as a freshman while sophomore midfielder Lauren Woodring played in 15 matches last fall.

Also back are sophomore midfielders Kristen Hebel, Jenny Inouye and Jessica Mills, along with sophomore defender Sara Wagoner.

Head coach Melissa Lamie is entering her 15th season as Grove City’s head coach. She needs nine wins to become the first PAC women’s soccer coach with 150 career victories.

Lamie is currently the conference’s all-time wins leader in women’s soccer.

The 2007 schedule will feature several rugged non-conference matches in preparation for conference play.

Adrian and Aurora will visit College Field on the season’s opening weekend while Ohio powers Baldwin-Wallace and Mount Union come to Grove City in September.

Grove City will also face Allegheny and Penn State Behrend on the road. Conference play begins Sept. 29 as the Wolverines visit Bethany.

SAINT VINCENT LADY BEARCATS (9-10, Overall in 2006)
With 14 players returning from last season, Saint Vincent College women’s soccer coach Keith Harmon believes it’s time for his team to turn the corner.

A season ago, the Lady Bearcats finished 9-10, reaching the ECAC Division-II playoffs before bowing out with a first round loss to Pace University. 

In 2006, Harmon’s team was cursed with a rash of injuries, but the ninth-year coach believes that inconsistency was the Lady Bearcats’ downfall.

“I’m not blaming injuries, because they happen to every coach,” he said.  “But the way we played last year, it was part of a growing process.  For a lot of our women, it was just their second year of collegiate play.  They still made mistakes that they shouldn’t have made, and they didn’t play like they knew how to play for extended periods of time.”

Highlighting the solid core of returning players is midfielder Erin Mannella, (left) a two-time All-American Mideast Conference pick.  A senior, she spent her first two seasons in a Saint Vincent uniform, and was named an NAIA All-American for her play as a sophomore in 2005, when she scored six goals and assisted on 10 more.  As a freshman, she scored four goals and posted a conference-leading 15 helpers. Last season, she scored four goals with eight assists for Seton Hill University.

“Anytime you can get an All-American back like Mannella it’s huge,” he said. “She can do a lot of things for us.”

Juniors Katie Messinger and Jonya Strnisha and freshmen Leanna Seminski and Dominique Stasko will compete for time at midfield alongside Mannella, Teems, and Shasko.

The Lady Bearcats suffered their biggest losses from a season ago defensively, as four-year starter Ashley Shasko has graduated, and junior Sara Lindsey, a starter since her freshman season, will miss the season due to injury.

Harmon also said that he expects Mannella’s return to aid the defense just as much as it will the offense, and he plans on using her at stopper.

A trio of players will be looking to nail down the starting job in goal, including senior Jessica Urban, junior Abby Chabitnoy, and sophomore Maura Wahl.  Chabitnoy made 11 starts in the net in 2006, posting a 4-7 record with a 2.l6 goals against average.  Urban started seven times at goalie, picking up a 4-1 record and a goals against average of 1.34.  Wahl, who doubles as a point guard on the Saint Vincent basketball team, will be seeing her first action on the soccer field this season. 

“The goalies didn’t play up to potential last year,” Harmon said.  “Someone has to step up and we need to establish our number one goalie by the time we break camp.”

The Lady Bearcats will face a tough non-conference schedule before kicking off its PAC schedule on September 29^th.  The squad will participate in tournaments at Penn State-Behrend and at Dickinson, and will also face Division-II Seton Hill and Messiah, which is a consensus top-five pick nationally.

“Our non-conference schedule is a lot tougher this year,” said Harmon.  “This has to better prepare us for conference play.

THIEL TOMCATS (1-16-1 Overall, 0-6 PAC in 2006)

First-year Thiel College head coach Jeurell Smith enters the 2007 women’s soccer season with seven returning starters, including sophomore all-Presidents ‘Athletic Conference (PAC) second team selection Lafaye Moore, and hopes of building a successful program, both on and off the field.

“I am really looking forward to the experience of reconstructing the program by implementing my own concepts on the game,” said Smith. “I hope to be able to develop the younger players along with the veterans into one cohesive unit, both on and off the field.”

As an assistant with the women’s program for the past two seasons Smith has seen his team limited to just one victory in those two campaigns.  That lack of success only fuels his ambitions more.

“Of course I come into this with high expectations, but those expectations must be grounded and realistic.  We will work on short term strategies which in turn will lead to long term goals.”

Moore headlines the class of the seven returning starters.  She started all 18 games and posted two goals and two assists. 

“Lafaye’s athletic ability certainly sets her apart.  After gaining the experience and maturing last season we expect her to contribute even more than last year.  She has so much potential for improvement.  Her never quit attitude and fearless play will do a lot in helping to instill confidence in the younger players,” said Smith.

Also returning for the 2007 season is sophomore Ashley Williams.  Williams missed an entire season due to her commitments to the Ohio National Guard.  She made 16 starts for the Tomcats during the 2005 season.

“Ashley’s conditioning, speed and overall work ethic is a compliment to the dedication and determination that is instilled by the U.S. Armed Forces.  I expect her to be a strong vocal leader on the team as well as a player that will also lead by example,” said Smith. 

Jenna Gowin is the lone senior returning to the squad.  Gowin, a midfielder, has started 53 games during her career with the Tomcats. 

“Jenna is our only senior and was the squad’s captain last season.  She is the voice of the team.  Her work ethic, strong defensive presence and verbal leadership skills are second to none.  Jenna will be our pride and joy; an example of the seniors that our program is striving to produce,” said Smith.

Juniors Jamie Dawson (right) and Cayla Zukowski also return as starters.  Dawson overcame a significant knee injury sustained during the 2005 season  and had a solid 2006 campaign that saw her  start in each of the Tomcats’ 18 games, tallying one goal and a pair of assists.  Zukowski was also a full-time starter last season. 

“Jamie’s been given the responsibility of serving as a co-captain for her first season.  I know her lead- by-example leadership skills will be a great inspiration for all players on the team, especially the underclassmen.  Her hard work, nice touch and never quit attitude have gone overlooked in our league ….but not for long,” said Smith.

“Cayla has been placed in a leadership position on our squad as a co-captain.  Her pleasant attitude off the field will help make people feel comfortable, while on the field her tackling and fearless attitude makes opponents weary.  She has great experience in the back and I have great confidence in her vision on the field,” said Smith.

Sophomore forward Sarah Thompson returns after posting a pair of goals and an assist in her 18 starts.

“Sarah is a player with lots of potential.  I’m always impressed with her ability to strike a ball or beat a player.  After a year of maturity she is ready to become a key part of our program,” said Smith.

Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Echinoz and sophomore back Heather Snyder also return as significant contributors to last season’s squad.  Echinoz started 15 games in goal last season and recorded 192 saves (.727 save percentage) while Snyder saw action in 18 games, starting 11 of those. 

“Sarah was a savior for our team last season.  Her goalkeeper experience was limited but her fighting mentality allowed her to be put into very difficult games.  She learned quickly which allowed her kept her head high.  I think Heather is a strong willed player.  She fought hard last season teetering between being a starter and key reserve.  With a year of experience under her belt I expect her to be able to help us even more on the field this year,” said Smith.

Thiel opens its season at Mount Aloysius College on Saturday, Sept. 1 before opening its 2007 home schedule on Wednesday, Sept. 5 against Pitt-Greensburg.

THOMAS MORE SAINTS (12-7-1 Overall, 5-0-1 PAC in 2006)
After coming within inches of its second consecutive Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship, Thomas More welcomes the challenge of making a third straight trip to the title game.

“We hope the memory (of the shootout loss in the finals) will only fuel the fire to get back to the championship game,” said head coach Jeff Cummings.

While the loss of four four-year starters could leave a leadership hole, the Saints return three of their top four scorers and a four-year starter in goal. For the second season in a row, Cumming anticipates a slow start as Thomas More looks to find its identity and a new leader on the field.

The addition to several quality newcomers will add depth the Thomas More roster, and create more competition.

“Nothing is a foregone conclusion,” Cummings said referring to playing time for returning players. “It was something that was difficult for the team last year to understand.”

“(Hagedorn and Scrudato) need to lead on the field through their work rates,” said Cummings. “Someone on the field that leads by ability and that can earn the respect of the team.”

Sophomore Brittany Jones (left) was named first team PAC after leading the team with 12 goals and 30 points. Five of her 12 goals were game-winning goals. The good first season has just elevated expectations for her sophomore campaign.

“Brittany inside herself knows she has a lot left,” said Cummings. “She has to come out and show she isn’t a one-year wonder. She needs to focus on being more consistent game to game. She has to dominate all season and not just a few games.

“Her ability to make the team better and not just score goals will go a long way toward our success,” Cummings adds.

Junior Samantha Smith appeared in all 20 games, making 15 starts, and has the ability to take some of the offensive pressure off Jones. She finished the season with three goals and five assists. After seeing limited action as a freshman, junior Kirsten Leininger was the only Thomas More player to start all 20 games.

Although Scrudato is the last line of the defense, sophomore Kristen DePaoli  vaulted the Thomas More defense to a new level. The Saints recorded four shutouts in the six PAC games.

Senior Emily Eismann, junior Kristina Behne, junior Mindy Cooper, sophomore Katilyn Cohen and sophomore Stacy Knapp are all players that will have impact on the Thomas More lineup. 
 

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON PRESIDENTS (10-8-2 Overall, 3-2-1 PAC in 2006)
The Washington & Jefferson College women’s soccer program has posted three consecutive winning seasons and welcomes a new head coach, Pete Curtis, to the program for the 2007 season. 

Melissa Joseph left W&J for Mount Union College during the summer after helping W&J earn respect around the conference and the region. However, Curtis has outlined a plan to take the Presidents to the next step which is winning the PAC and earning the league’s first automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. 

Curtis comes to W&J after successful stints as the head men’s soccer coach at Division I Cleveland State, Division II Charleston and Division III Marietta. 

A total of 17 letterwinners return for the 2007 squad, including seniors midfielder Liz Monzi, forward Marie Majkut (right) and defender Laura Tomasevich.  Majkut led the Presidents with six goals last year, while Monzi added eight points (3g, 2a). Tomasevich will also help the defense following the loss of All-Region performer Katie Orient. 

Junior midfielder Samantha Sosko and sophomore forward Lauren Smith will also look to up their offensive totals after having breakout 2006 seasons in reserve roles. Sosko posted three goals and four assists, while Smith chipped in with three goals and two assists. 

Junior forward Madison Manius led the team in scoring in 2006 with 13 points (5g, 3a), while sophomore midfielder Spencer Ahrenholtz also returns after starting 18 games and netting a pair of goals. Junior defender Megan Ferderber has played in all 40 matches over her first two seasons and will be asked to provide veteran leadership in the defensive backfield. She will team with junior Julianna Priola, who started all 18 games she played a season ago. 

This fall, the Yellow Jackets will feature a roster filled with youthful underclassmen and four experienced juniors. Fourth-year head coach Jim Rue returns six players that started 15-plus games last year, along with 11 newcomers.

Waynesburg University will look to a pair of juniors in Juli Amato and Ashley Johnson to anchor the offense. Both Amato and Johnson impressed during their freshmen season of 2005, but struggled to put up similar numbers last season. Amato registered seven points in 2006 (two goals, three assists) after posting 21 points on eight goals and five assists as a freshman. Johnson battled injuries for part of last season after recording 12 points (five goals and two assists) as a freshman.

The defense returns four Yellow Jackets with starting experience, as well as goalkeepers Amy Mills and Paige Yeich, (left) who joined the program midway combined to play over 97 minutes in the net last season. Yeich played in only 12 games last season, but still ranked among the best in the conference in goals against average and save percentage.

WESTMINSTER TITANS (14-5-3 Overall, 5-1 PAC in 2006)
The 2007 Westminster College women's soccer team has all the makings to go down as one of the best teams in the nine-year history of the program.

If you would ask sixth-year head coach Girish Thakar that can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

"It is how you stay motivated; that's the thing," Thakar said. "As a player you can look over your shoulder and think that no one is going to take your spot (in the lineup), or you can say, 'Let's really make some history here.'"

The nine returning starters and 14 retuning letter-winners have all the credentials to give Westminster its fifth Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) championship in six seasons. The Titans secured their fourth PAC title last year with a 5-1 league record and a 14-5-3 overall mark that included a win and a tie as semifinalists in the ECAC Division III South Region Championships.

Senior forward Mallory Bugel (right) is the most accomplished of the returning players having won PAC Player of the Year honors the last two seasons as well as a second-team all-region nod in 2006. Bugel, who led the PAC in 2006 in points (37), shots (97) and assists (15), enters the 2007 season ranked fourth in school history with 33 career goals and 24 assists and third with 227 shots.

Junior midfielder Christina Adams, the reigning team MVP, is back after leading the PAC with 13 goals and earning first-team all-PAC accolades. Senior midfielder Kait Etzel-Hardman is also back, while junior midfielder Abby Montgomery is returning but is likely out for the season with an injury.

The Titan defense is well intact led by senior Brittany McKee, a first-team all-PAC and third-team all-region selection, and junior Jessi Losteter, a second-team all-PAC pick. The back line will also include returning starters in seniors Mandy Bearrow and Anna Sparacino.

Sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Mellott, an honorable mention for the all-PAC team, returns after starting all 22 matches last season and leading the PAC with a 0.73 goals against average.

The Titans will also have tremendous depth with five reserves that lettered in 2006. They include junior Kristin Martin and sophomores Lauren Graeser, Ashley Helmick, Michelle Latta-Maloney and Meredith Sabol.

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