2007 Women's Soccer Preview
The
2007 Penn State Behrend women’s soccer team is looking to capture
the AMCC Conference Championship for a second consecutive season.
After finishing as runners up in the past four of five seasons, 2006
was the year for the blue and white to bring home the AMCC title,
making it the fifth title in Behrend women’s soccer history. The
2006 team enjoyed their championship year with a record of 14-6-1
and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The 2006 season concluded
with a loss to the defending National Champion Messiah College.
“It will be a new experience for us defending the championship,” said fourth-year head coach Patrick O’Driscoll. “I am confident that the players will handle this well. They got a taste of NCAA Tournament play last year and are anxious to compete at this level again. I know the hunger, desire, and effort will be there from our players.”
The blue and white return 11 players from last year’s squad, including nine starters. Four seniors will be leading the Behrend team. Defenders Katie Ritchey (Butler/Butler), Jessica Carlson (Jefferson Hills/Thomas Jefferson), and All-AMCC selection Emily Rogan (Bethel Park/Bethel Park) have been playing a strong defensive system for years. They will provide a brutal line of defense against opponents. Midfielder Danielle Demay (Bethel Park/ Bethel Park) tallied three goals in 2006 and will aide the offensive efforts.
Completing the roster of upper classmen for the Behrend Lions are three juniors. These include Great Lakes All-Region Selection Nikki Frisbee (Valencia/Mars), Beth Manganaro (Pittsburgh/Chartiers Valley), and Kim Chapman (Cranberry/Seneca Valley)“These players will be counted upon for our offensive production,” said O’Driscoll. Frisbee and Manganaro attributed eight and nine goals respectively for the Behrend Lions last season. After missing part of the season due to knee injury, Chapman will be responsible for controlling the midfield and reinforcing the offensive attack.
The blue and white will be returning four sophomores in 2007. Midfielders Jenna Haschets (Washington/Canon McMillan) and Brittany Barbato (State College/State College) are expected to provide depth and control for the offense. 2006 three-time AMCC Goalkeeper of the week Kayla Frost (Venetia/Peters Township) enjoyed a tremendous freshman year recording six shutouts for the Behrend Lions. Academic All-Conference honoree Beth Lacy (Erie/Harborcreek) will transition from the field to the goal for 2007. Lacy saw action in three games for the blue and white last season.
Nine new freshmen will join the team in 2007. “They are all high level club and high school players and all have the potential to add something to our squad,” said O’Driscoll.
“Collectively, I feel this group is
extremely talented and I have very high
expectations for them," said O'Driscoll. Among those competing for time up front are
forwards Caitlin Tschappat (Butler/Butler) and Krista Landucci (Thomas
Jefferson/Jefferson Hills). While Kaitlin Schaefer (General McLane/Erie),
Krista Jones (Kiski Area/Leechburg), Caitlyn Elser (Seneca Valley/Cranberry
Twp), and Jaclyn Stottlemyer (Charleroi/Charleroi) will be pushing hard for
spots in the midfield. Rounding out the incoming class are defensive
midfielders Danielle McFadden (Iroquois/Erie) and Julie Bonomo (Franklin
Regional/Export), who will be nudging for spots in the midfield and back.
While defender Kelly Thill (Pine-Richland/Wexford) should compete for
playing time as a ture freshman.
The blue and white will play a demanding 18 game schedule, including hosting the Herb Lauffer Tournament to kick-off the season. The very competitive tournament has Behrend playing against St. Vincent at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 1 with Baldwin-Wallace squaring off against Geneseo at 4:00 p.m. The consolation is slated for Sunday at 2:00 p.m. followed by the 4:00 p.m. championship contest. The blue and white have captured HLM Tournament titles in both 2000 and 2003.
The team will play eight non-conference games before opening up AMCC play on September 22, visiting Mt. Aloysius. Coach O’Driscoll feels his team more than capable of brining home another AMCC title. “We know other teams will be gunning for us,” said O’Driscoll. “Although winning a championship is never easy, traditionally our teams are very hard working and understand the importance of putting the needs of the team first. I do not see 2007 being any different.”
Overall the Behrend women's soccer program history boasts a 137-66-16 mark. The blue and white won four straight AMCC championships during the 1997-2000 seasons, and have also finished as the league's runner's-up in 2001 and from 2003-2005. The Behrend Lions have also made five ECAC Tournaments and another NCAA appearance in 2000.