After going through a slight learning curve in 2008 with nine first-year players and a first year head coach, the Saint Mary’s soccer team is geared up and ready to take the pitch in 2009.
Looking to bounce back, the Belles will return nine players who registered at least two points in 2008 to help dictate the offense this fall. Among those nine are senior Micki Hedinger and sophomore Katelyn Tondo-Steele, who ranked second and third in scoring on the team last season, respectively. Tondo-Steele is also one of six Belles returning who saw playing time in each contest in 2008. Colleen Ferguson and Michelle Marshall joined Tondo-Steele by appearing in each game last fall while also contributing to the Belles’ scoring last year.
Another player for Saint Mary’s who has been a mainstay on the field and will help spark success this season is senior co-captain Bridget Ronayne. Over the course of her career, Ronayne has played an integral role in a defense that has allowed one goal or less in 24 contests in the past three seasons.
Joining Ronayne and the defensive backline is senior goalkeeper Patty Duffy, who registered 81 saves while making 15 appearances in her first season as the team’s starting netminder.
With the combination of strong veteran leadership in both the offensive front and the defensive backfield, the Belles look to break back into the top portion of the MIAA and claim their highest finish in league play in program history.
“I expect to see a team very hungry for results this fall, ”commented second year head coach Ryan Crabbe. “With 16 returning players to this fall’s squad, our expectations are understandably high. Our returning players know what it will take to get us into position to be where we can be and achieve our goals this season.”
