The Seton Hill University (SHU) women’s soccer team has come back this fall as a strong team with much to accomplish in the rest of their season. Coming back for the Fall 2007 season with eight starters returning, three of which are top scorers, the team is ready to step it up at this point in the season.
With a 3-0 win over Route 30 rival St. Vincent University, but losses to University of Pittsburgh Johnstown and Wheeling Jesuit University, the Griffins have had an eventful season so far. Each teammate has different goals for the rest of this season.
By Rachel Prichard,
Staff Writer
The Seton Hill University (SHU) women’s soccer team has come back this fall as a strong team with much to accomplish in the rest of their season. Coming back for the Fall 2007 season with eight starters returning, three of which are top scorers, the team is ready to step it up at this point in the season.
With a 3-0 win over Route 30 rival St. Vincent University, but losses to University of Pittsburgh Johnstown and Wheeling Jesuit University, the Griffins have had an eventful season so far. Each teammate has different goals for the rest of this season.
“I hope we come out on top and come together more as a team,” said Kalie Mills, a sophomore.
“A really successful year, a winning record, and be a group as one team,” said Elaine Zaveckas, a senior and team captain.
“We need to work on collecting plays,” said Eileen Tiano, a junior.
With the switch from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to National Collegiate Athletic Associate (NCAA) the team is still in a transitional period. Until the team becomes a full member of the NCAA, they will play their schedule and try to get the best record as possible. They are not allowed to compete in playoffs.
“I think because there are no playoffs for us, it’s hard to motivate a team to really try. Especially the freshman because this is their first season,” said Amy Dugan, a senior.
With the team being made up of so many different classes of students, this transitional period is a big change according to the coaching staff.
“For the seniors that are leaving, it is probably one of the stronger classes Coach Fogle has had here at the school. We want to see them have a good final year and have something they can be proud of so they can finish their careers and not worry about whether they put everything they had on the line,” said Sam Lauris, assistant coach.
“The juniors are going to have to work to become the leaders in this NCAA conference for next year,” said John Fogle, head coach.
“Our sophomores are in the middle of leaving NAIA behind and learning firsthand what the NCAA is like,” said Fogle.
With the freshman recruits coming onto the team this season, the team is growing with its NCAA recruiting skill. The freshmen on the team are skilled players and are having a good experience this season.
“The recruiting is going to be the key over the next few years because the level of competition is much stronger than what we’ve done as a NAIA team,” said Fogle.
“Our freshmen are outstanding and they will, by the time they graduate, know what it is like to be in a NCAA Division II program,” said Fogle.
“It’s hard to work in a new surrounding as a team, but here at Seton Hill it’s easy because the team is welcoming and doesn’t disrespect you,” said Carly Cocciolone, a freshman.
The women’s soccer team will play at Salem International University on Saturday, October 6, and on Friday, October 12 they will play Concord University at home. After that, they will have four games left in the season.