Womenıs Soccer Splits Weekend

The Oberlin Womenıs soccer team is beginning their season with both positive energy and depth. With a team of only 18, and as many new players as returning veterans, the Yeowomen are trying to play to their strengths.

In two games last weekend, one a 3-6 loss to Case Western, the other a 4-0 win against Theil, the women drew on slow starts to turn the tables and play their own game, although the win was followed by another 0-4 loss against Otterbein on Wednesday.

The first of their games, at Case Western Reserve, proved to be mainly frustration for the team. The Yeowomen were on the defensive from the start, allowing three goals in the first half and scoring none. One goal was scored on a bicycle kick, a testament to the skill of the Case women.

After the half, the team demonstrated a resilience and determination to take the game back. Sophomores Hannah Furgiuele and Courtney Stackhouse scored one and two goals, respectively, and junior Becky Kanuch assisted all three. Oberlin matched the Case women goal for goal in the half, but came away with a loss due to a timid start, according to junior goalkeeper Julie Noyes. ³We began with misgivings because we were getting used to each otherıs style of play.²

Though they clearly dominated the field on Sunday against Theil, Oberlin once again came out slow, playing down to a team that has a young program and little experience. In many ways, playing such a team is even tougher than playing a team that presents a clear challenge.

³We started to play at their speed,² said head coach Jane Wildman.

Theil packed their defense to frustrate attempts on goal, allowing only one goal in the first half. Oberlin came out in the second half with a new plan of attack because their were able to bypass the defense to score another three.

³We played how we know we can play,² said Stackhouse.

Kanuch scored one goal; Stackhouse, with the Yeowomen for the first time, had a hat trick. Katie Crites, Torey Ligon, and Mara Brecht, all new to Oberlin Soccer, assisted.

Having had the opportunity to gauge strengths and weaknesses of the team dynamic in preseason, Wildman noted the depth that the individual players bring to the field. ³The first years have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. It gives us a lot to build on,² she said.

³The team looks strong and solid,² said junior midfielder Susan Axeen, out due to injury. ³Everyone plays every game, and there are no weak spots.²

The team also appears to possess more scoring ability, especially due to Stackhouse, who compares her role on the field to that of a thief. Trained as a runner, she uses her track skills to blow by the defense.

Wednesdayıs game against Otterbein was disappointing, a 0-4 loss.

³There were some good individual performances, but we didnıt come together as a team,² said Wildman. Oberlin came out a bit slow and could never find their momentum.

As for the rest of the season, and the future of Oberlin Womenıs soccer, a revision of the format for the NCAC allows the top four teams in the conference into the tournament. The conference champions will go on to the NCAA tournament. In the old format, a team would have to go undefeated in conference games to make it to the championships.

The team has set a goal for this year to be among the top four teams in the conference.

³[This is a goal] definitely within our reach,² said Wildman. ³The positive mentality is more fun for me, and demonstrates their motivation to excel.² She emphasized the need for everyone to step up on game day, and hopes the few injured players will recover quickly, as vital assets to the team.

Wildman also praised Gavin Rogers, replacing Katherine Roberts as this yearıs assistant coach.

³Itıs not always easy to find a qualified assistant coach, especially in the womenıs game,² she said. But Rogers is experienced, and his interpretation of the game is similar to Wildmanıs, who is returning for what will be her second year with Oberlinıs soccer program.

Playing three non-conference games before conference play begins has given the team a chance to get a feel for each othersı strengths and some experience on the field before their home opener against against conference competitor Earlham on Saturday.