There might be a new face leading the Saint Mary’s soccer program but the goal remains the same – an MIAA championship. With a host of returning players that out-scored and out-shot the opposition last year, the goal is well within reach.
There is a lot of ability on this team. We are definitely in a position to be among the best teams in the league,” first-year head coach Ryan Crabbe said. “If this team plays as a cohesive unit and remains teachable, we will make some serious noise in the league standings.”
A host of top scorers with a veteran mentality return for the Belles as they look forward to a strong MIAA season. Lauren Hinton is back for her final season under the Bell Tower. The Grand Rapids, Mich. native, has scored 28 goals in a Saint Mary’s uniform and has twice earned MIAA Second-Team recognition.
“Lauren is one of the top offensive players in the entire league. She will definitely be looked upon for a scoring punch, but she isn’t the only player who can consistently score for us,” Crabbe said.
Midfielder Katy Durkin had a breakout season during her sophomore campaign last year. Durkin was the second leading scorer with five goals and 11 total points for the Belles. Corissa Hart started eight of the 17 games she played in during her first year as she posted two goals from the forward slot.
A pair of juniors who fell to the injury bug for most of last season also return. Colleen Ferguson and Micki Hedinger both played significant time during their first year and were slated for the same last season before getting injured.
“While some of our scoring talent may seem young or even inexperienced, I have no concern about our ability to put the ball in the net,” Crabbe said.
An area that poses concern is the goalkeeper position. Last season, Amy Mahoney posted four shutouts and a goal-against average of 1.18, but with her graduation there is uncertainty about that position.
“Our starting goalkeeper position is certainly up for grabs. It will be exciting to see how that competition shapes up and how the team will rally around that spot. Whoever ends up claiming the starting spot will have a strong defense in front of them,” Crabbe said.
One of the stalwarts along the backline will be Bridget Ronayne. The junior has started all 32 of Saint Mary’s games over the past two years. A vital defensive player, she has helped the Belles post 10 shutouts in the last two seasons.
Two other juniors will play a key role on defense. Bri Cantu and Jessica Slean are poised to keep the Belles goal-against average under 1.25. Senior Whitney Fron, who will see time at both midfield and defensive positions, also returns to help form a solid defensive front.
“We have one of the most experienced and mature defensive units in the league. There’s no doubt that they are one of the strongest components on the squad,” Crabbe said. “In general I am excited to see what this collection of talent can do this season. We have a lot of potential but we have to be willing to work hard from day one to reach that potential.”
