New faces helping team chemistry

By Joel Beachum
Staff Writer

After four years at UNCP, the women’s soccer program has seemed to find its niche at even a much higher level than before. In 2005, the Lady Braves will have to continue that progress with 12 new faces.

With the departure of the first senior class from 2004, the Lady Braves went in search of even more talent to add to its 12-5-2 returning squad from last season.

UNCP lost seniors Simonae Taylor, Mary Kresse, Courtney Jones, Crystal Lanoza and Tamara Marshburn.

Among those in the freshmen class are North Carolina Coaches Association East All-Stars Nisa Akins, Whitney Beverly, Sarah Day and Ashley McManus. Lauren Townsend comes from Fuquay-Varina and Lauren Keeley comes from Sanderson.

Six of the newcomers bring experience from elsewhere. Valerie Buchite, Melanie Cobb and Leah Stanley come to UNCP as transfers from Mount Olive College. Marisol Martinez comes from Monroe Community College, the 2004 junior college national champions.

Two exchange students also join the team this year, Nina Ratzkowski from Germany and Frida Wikstrom from Sweden.

“The biggest thing will be incorporating a very large recruiting class. We have 11 returning players and 12 new players,” Andersson said. “It is nice to have a very strong core of experienced players with a very strong recruiting class. In addition, several are transfers – a lot of them are incoming veteran players. Even the rookies have looked very good skill wise in preseason.”

He added that the team has added both depth and talent to what should be one of the toughest schedules in school history at UNCP.

Captains Jamie Clarke and Katie Stokes will lead the group of talented returning players, rounded out by Allie Black, Jackie Bower, Sarah Dagnachew, Hillary Helms, Kelly Jones, Kristen Parker, Erin Rowley, Brenna Russick and Amanda Titus.

Andersson hopes to see the new players and the returning players mix together with good teamwork as the new season begins.

“I would like to see that they have gelled as a team and at least started to figure out what our system of play is offensively and defensively,” said Andersson. “We want to build a solid foundation of team chemistry and competitive spirit.”

UNCP 2, Pfeiffer 1

UNCP kicked off its regular season on Aug. 27, when they played host to Pfeiffer University.

Despite the Falcons taking the early lead on a first half goal by sophomore Laura Crews, the Lady Braves came back with less than 15 minutes to play to garner a 2-1 win.

At the 73 minute mark in the game, Jones tied the game at one by an assist by Black. The game-winner came at the 78:51 mark, when Day capitalized on a goal after a cross was sent in by Akins and then deflected.

The Lady Braves maintained a solid edge in shots, 16-3, and corner kicks, 10-4, in the win. Beverly made two saves in the game for UNCP, playing the full 90 minutes.

UNCP increased its series margin over Pfeiffer to 4-0.