2002-03 Outlook
9/5/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 5, 2002
With eight of the top nine scorers, and both goalkeepers, from last season returning, the Falcons will look to improve on their 8-11-1 overall record in 2001.
One of the Falcons' weaknesses last season could be a strength in 2002. During two stretches of the season, the Falcons struggled to score goals. AFA scored just five goals in the final five games last season and won just one of those contests.
This season's forward position could be the strongest it has been in several years led by the conference freshman of the year, Jennifer Rowland.
Goaltending should be improved as well with both keepers from last season returning. Jennifer Monson and J.J. Wolf were first-year starters last season, but gained valuable experience throughout the year.
Air Force has another strong schedule with non-conference opponents from coast to coast. The seven-team Mountain West Conference continues to improve and the Falcons should be among those in the running for the conference crown.
"We had a great spring season," head coach Marty Buckley said. "We were able to evaluate several players against some quality teams and we expect a great season in 2002."
Goalkeepers
Both keepers from the 2001 season return for the Falcons. Monson and Wolf split time early last season, but Monson emerged and started the final 12 games of the season.
A third-classman from Anaheim, Calif., Monson started 15 games and played 1,355 of the team's 1,880 minutes last season. She posted a 1.79 goals-against average and a 6-7 record with a 72.7 saves percentage. Wolf, a C3C from Lakewood, Wash., started five games and played in 525 minutes. She finished the season with a 1.54 GAA and a 2-2-1 record with a 73.5 saves percentage.
Both recorded big wins during the season. Wolf blanked Idaho State and Army. Monson earned an overtime win over Arizona and also beat UNLV and San Diego State. The two returners will be pushed by newcomer Kira Reyes.
"I have a lot of confidence in our keepers," Buckley said. "There will again be a lot of competition to earn the starting job and that will make them all better."
Defenders
The defense was hit the hardest by graduation with the loss of starters Ali Tedesco and Laura Abt. C1C Billie Rothwell is the only returning starter and will anchor the defense from her sweeper position. The native of Round Rock, Texas, started all 20 games and helped limit opponents to just 6.5 shots per game
C1C Christine Miller and C3C's Janie Larned and Erin Heintz will battle for two starting spots on the back line. Miller was third on the team in scoring last season with four goals and nine points. Larned and Heintz both saw limited action in their rookie season.
Erika Palmer, a second classman from Colorado Springs, is a big (5-foot-11), athletic defender who also gives the Falcons some experience on the back line.
Newcomers Sarah Overmeyer, Amanda Cleland and Mandy Roberts will give the team some depth at every defensive position.
"Our defense should be strong," Buckley said. "Billie is coming off of a great season and Christine had an outstanding spring. Erin, Janie and Erika are all solid players who will contribute as well."
Midfielders
The graduation of three-time all-conference performer Beth Boyer will be a great loss. Boyer holds the career record with 80 games played and set nine school records during her career.
Returning starters Wendy Emminger and Cookie Day should step up to fill the void left by Boyer. Emminger, a C1C from Chandler, Ariz., started 16 games and played in all 20, finishing the season with nine points and five assists. Day, a C3C from Mansfield, Texas, started 18 games and played in 20, tallying two goals and seven points.
C2C Leigh-Anne Withers and C3C Jennifer Ford are both coming off solid seasons. Withers played in 15 games on the outside while Ford collected three assists in 19 games. C3C Julie Honeycutt also gained some experience in her rookie season, playing in 13 games.
Newcomers Meredith Benson (center) and Coogan Vick (outside) will look to make an impact in their first year.
C3C Elaine Tatarek and C2C Mel SanPietro gives the Falcons some versatility as they will split time between midfield and forward. Tatarek scored two goals in 19 games as a freshman. SanPietro played in seven games as a freshman but did not play last season.
"We have a lot of talent in the middle of the field, but we will need someone to step up to fill the void left by Beth," Buckley said.
Forwards
The forward position should be the team's strong suit this season.
Air Force returns its entire group of forwards, led by last season's Mountain West Conference freshman of the year, Jennifer Rowland.
The C3C from La Ca?ada, Calif., was also a first-team all-conference selection. She was second on the team and 10th in the MWC with 19 points on seven goals and four assists. She was twice named the conference player of the week.
Returning letterwinners Mary Cholko and Marci Freund give the Falcons three solid, experienced players. After spending two years on the Falcon defense, Cholko scored three goals and seven points last season at forward. Freund scored three goals last season, including one against New Mexico in the conference tournament.
"We are very deep at forward and I feel like we could have a powerful and dangerous front line. We are also excited about our freshman forwards. They are all proven goal scorers who have earned many honors at the club and high school level."
Newcomers Raegan McDowell, Jessica Bendrick, Hilary Robbins and Jennifer Jones will battle for playing time in their rookie season.
