The University of Akron Athletics
Women's Soccer Adds Next Piece To Puzzle
August 29 | Women's Soccer
Aug. 29, 2002
Head coach Catherine Byrne has heard all the cliches associated with a program entering its second season.
Brick by brick...
Paving the way...
Building a foundation...
The list goes on.
Unfortunately, there's no better way to describe Byrne's situation. Her position is best likened to that of a construction contractor who coordinates the placement of cement, bricks, mortar and steel into a sturdy structure.
In 2001, the program's inaugural season, a solid foundation was poured. While the team was not as successful in the win column as it might have hoped, the season was a success in other areas.
"We went into our first year blind, no one knew quite what to expect," said Byrne. "This year our eyes are wide open and we know what we are up against. That kind of knowledge goes a long way."
Knowledge that has helped the fledgling program set realistic
goals - place a cornerstone.
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In 2002, Byrne's project is to build out from that point. With 11 letterwinners returning and 10 spirited newcomers entering the fold it would appear the structure will quickly take form. The team is riding the momentum of a successful spring season into fall camp.
"The mood of our program is one set by our players from last spring," said Byrne. "They are striving to be more competitive, more mature in their decision making on the field."
One of those helping set that mood is sophomore Jeannie Stuckey, the Zips scoring punch from a season ago. Stuckey is the program's leading scorer after finding the net seven times in 2001. She also tied for the team lead in assists with three and ended the campaign with 17 points.
"Jeannie is looking to extend last season's goal tally," said Byrne. "She will be a tough player to hold back when she has the goal in sight."
Other returners up front include, sophomores Paige Albright and Lauren Graff. Albright was one of seven players to score at least a goal last season.
UA's scoring attack should also get help from freshmen Katie Duracky, Krista Bucholz and Abigail Holzworth.
Duracky is no stranger to putting points on the board, having scored 132 in her high school career at Cardinal Mooney in Struthers, Ohio.
"Katie is quick and tricky with the ball," said Byrne. "She loves one vs. one situations."
Duracky and Holzworth will also spend time in the midfield, a position at which the Zips list eight athletes.
The veterans in the group are sophomores Sarah Artuso and Rosella D'Agruma. Each was responsible for three points (1 goal, 1 assist) in her freshman season.
Freshman Elizabeth Riggs is also expected to make an impact at this position.
"Beth will be the engine in the midfield," said Byrne. "She has quick vision and is tenatious. She is what I consider a true competitor."
Competitive indeed, Riggs began her high school career on the boys' varsity team as an eighth grader and helped lead the Candor Central High (Candor, NY) girls' team to a division title in just its third season.
The Zips defensive unit also contains some true competitors, with four of the seven players listed at the position being here a year ago. Back for another tour is the quartet of Kim Cannell, Naomi Cummings, Heather Lindgren and Bethani Wanner
"Naomi has emerged as a true leader on and off the field," said Byrne. "She made great progress in the spring and Kim, Heather and Bethani are faster and more fit. I'm looking forward to good things with them."
Myca Brusco and Katrina Moore are three of the newcomers at this spot that have Byrne excited.
"Both are very strong and great at winning the ball," the second-year coach said. "They are also both hungery for a starting jersey."
The fight for a starting jersey is also an issue at the goalkeeper spot, with sophomores Meghan McCarthy and Crystal Tabor jockeying for the job.
Both were with the program last year and McCarthy saw the field the most, playing in 14 matches and starting in 12 of those.
"Whichever one gets the starting nod will have truly worked to their maximum capacity for it," said Byrne. "The competition between them is a healthy one and will make both stronger in the end."
The Zips will definitely need that competitive edge as they prepare for a challenging 19-match schedule.
The team opens its season at home, facing off against Robert Morris on Aug. 31 in the second-annual Caroline Pardee Invitational. Niagara and St. Bonaventure also make the trip to Akron for the invite.
The next weekend the Zips will be in Ogden, Utah, for the Weber State Tournament. UA will face IUPUI (Sept. 5) and Weber State (Sept. 7).
The squad gets its Mid-American Conference season underway on Sept. 13 with a home match against Marshall.
The team also faces league foes Ball State (Sept. 20), Miami (Sept. 22), Bowling Green (Sept. 27) Toledo (Sept. 29) and Buffalo (Oct. 11) at UA's Lee Jackson Field. Highlights of the team's MAC road slate are matches at 2001 regular season champion Ohio on Sept. 15 and at nearby Kent State on Oct. 20.
The conference schedule is broken up with non-league contests at Howard (Oct. 13) and Youngstown St. (Oct. 18).
"Our schedule will be challenging and the MAC is a tough league." said Byrne. "We look to be the hidden gem in the conference this year."
The MAC tournament gets underway on Nov. 5 at campus sites, with the league's top-eight teams advancing and top-four seeds hosting the quarterfinal matches. The highest remaining seed hosts the semifinals and championship to be held Nov. 8-10.
"In any given year, on any given day, any team can be a threat," said Byrne. "We have great depth and great talent."
Components that will strengthen any team's compeitiveness.
And as the framework is pieced together, the structure becomes more sturdy.
Strengthened by each course...
Not to be cliche.
