MMA Women's Soccer Looks To Build on Recent Success
The Maine Maritime Women's Soccer program is eagerly awaiting the start of the 2008 season. The 2007 season saw the very young Mariners finish the regular season at 9-7. They qualified for the NAC Tournament and loss to the league champions in the quarterfinals.
There are lots of reason for optimism in Castine as the Mariners return 9 starters, and 12 veterans from last years' squad. Leading scorers and All-Conference performers Katie Hutchinson (Dixfield, ME) and Diana Manatt-Rogers (Conway, MA) both return to lead the attack, as does third leading scorer and the lone senior on this years' squad Meghan McKay (Old Town, ME). Also returning up front will be junior Sarah Paquette (Rochester, VT).
The midfield will be held down by two year starter Kelsi Eiane (Harpswell, ME), with the able assistance of Hutchinson.
Defensively the Mariners return all four starters at the back positions in Kim Watts (Tennants Harbor, ME), the 2007 team MVP, Megan Russell (Peru, ME), Sarah Radmore (Mexico, ME), and Jess Stahl (Bowdoin, ME).
Goalkeeper Lacey Jackson (York, PA) returns after a strong freshman campaign and will be pushed by fellow sophomore Jess Stahl for the position during the season.
Six exciting newcomers join the team this fall and will challenge for playing time right away. Jamie Daigle (Madawaska, ME) will look to break into the lineup at the center midfield or forward position while Emily Brogden (Union, ME) will be looking for immediate minutes up front. Dana Innis (Harpswell, ME) and Lauren Fling (Greenville, ME) will be pushing the backs for time while Blair Fontain (Cheshire, CT) will look for time at the midfield spot. Emma Damon (Bar harbor, ME) will be looking for playing time up front. Sophomore Amy Lane (Lee, ME) joined the team in the spring and performed well. She is expected to play some midfield and up front for the Mariners this season.
Second year coach Travers Evans is very positive and optimistic heading into the 2008 season. "Last year I felt as though we performed very well for a young team. At some points during the season we had as many as seven first year players on the field at one time. We played well at times, but lacked the consistency to get to the upper echelon of the conference. With the mix of our returning players, and a solid incoming freshman class, I think we will have the core of players to maintain the recent success of the program and try to take that next step in the very competative NAC."
The Mariners open their season on Saturday August 30th at the University of New England.
Women's Soccer