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August 23, 2007
(CLARION, PA.): Coming off their best season in school history in 2006, the 2007 Clarion University Women's Soccer team will look to build on last year's success and take their game to the next level. Last season the Golden Eagles finished with an overall record of 6-13 and sported a 1-9 slate in the tough PSAC-West. Using 2006 as a springboard, Clarion's head coach, Nina Feldman, is looking to build on their success and overall team strategy `07. "Last year we put up 20 goals but lacked defensively," seventh year head coach Nina Feldman said. "We are looking to complete our game by being able to combine both our offense and defense together in one game." VETERANS READY TO LEAD THE WAY Clarion will be counting on many returning key players to accomplish their mission in 2007. Senior captain Ashley Downs (Sr.,New Standon/Hempfield), 4 Goals, 1 Assist in 2006; Rachael Schmitz (Jr. Pittsburgh/Shaler), 2 goals, 2 assists; and Aimee Zellers (Sr. Felton/Red Lion), 2 goals will look to provide the offensive power. Downs has 9 career goals to her credit, Schmitz has 4 career goals and Zellers 2 goals and 2 assists. Sophomores Lisa Crist (Shippenville/Clarion) and Nori Francis-Mezger (Searsport, ME/Hampden Academy), 2 goals, will also be battling for time on the offensive side of the ball. Clarion's all-time leading scorer Ashlie Regazzie (14 goals) has graduated, but her loss will be picked up by the entire veteran group. "Our seniors are all ready to rock and roll and are all ready to go out and finish the season with a bang" Feldman said. "Downs is looking great offensively and we are looking for a big season out of her." DEFENSE LED BY WATERHOUSE Leading Clarion's defense will be second team all PSAC-West Rebecca Waterhouse (So, Girard/Girard), Tiffany Mason (Jr. Girard/Girard) and Kendra Patterson (So. Murrysville/Franklin Regional). Clarion's defense yielded 46 goals last season, but most of those goals came in three games. The defense posted 4 shutouts in 2006, plus let up only 1 goal in four games and 2 goals in 5 others. With quality experience back, expect even more close games from a defensive standpoint. "We have more defensive players than I can remember." Feldman said. "This will allow us to move some of our players to other positions to make our team even better." REED RETURNS IN GOAL FOR EAGLES Clarion will have experience returning at goalie, as second team all PSAC-West goalie Jessica Reed (Sr. McClure/Lewistown) will be returning to cover the net. Last season, Reed posted Clarion's best Goals Against Average in school history at 2.38, and also recorded 113 saves. With Reed in goal, Clarion will have a huge vocal leader in the backfield. "It is very important to have a good vocal leader in the back." Feldman stated. "Reed gives us great leadership and experience in goal." NEWCOMERS EXCPECTED MAKE IMMEDIATE IMPACT Feldman had a very good recruiting year in the off-season and the Golden Eagles welcome three key recruits in defenseman Alaina Tintera (Harrison City/Penn Trafford), Forward Jill Miller (Irwin/Norwin) and goalkeeper Jenna Kulik (North Huntingdon/Norwin). Tintera, considered a strong player from the back, earned 3 letters at Penn Trafford. Miller, a goal scorer, fired in 68 goals in her career at Norwin and ranked 5th in scoring in school history. Kulik has great hands and will provide quality depth in goal. "These three players will be able to step in and give us much depth at their positions." Feldman stated. "We will be looking to see big things out of them." Clarion's tentative starting team will see Downs, Schmitz and Caitlin Borden (So. Harrison City/Penn Trafford) up front, while Waterhouse, Patterson and Mason will be leading the defense. Francis-Mezger, Crist, Alyssa Jacobs (So. Gettysburg/Gettysburg) and Zellers will be vying for the other open offensive and defensive positions. CLARION NOTES: Clarion opens the 2007 campaign on August 25th at West Chester. Clarion's first home match is on September 3rd against PSAC-West foe Slippery Rock. |
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