2008 proved to be a rebuilding year for the Saint Mary’s soccer team. Under the
leadership of first year head coach Ryan Crabbe, the Belles showed their ability
to adapt and adjust throughout the season.
After dropping their first three contests of the season, the Belles responded
in a big way when they traveled to North Central College for the Sal Vacarro
Tournament. Having claimed the championship in 2007, the Belles were ready
to defend their title in 2008. Coach Crabbe and company picked up their first
win of the season with a 2–0 victory over Mount Mercy in the first match of the
weekend. The Belles then tied with the hosts from North Central but claimed
the tournament title win 4–3 in a shootout.
In spite of falling by one goal in eight different contests on the year, the Belles had a lot of production from a variety of players
all season. Eleven different players, six of which were freshmen, registered at least one point for the Belles in the fall.
Senior
co-captain Lauren Hinton led all Belles with five goals and added two assists for a team-best 12 points. At the conclusion of
the season, Hinton was named to the All-MIAA Second Team.
Junior Micki Hedinger (3) and freshman Katelyn Tondo-Steele (2) also scored multiple goals for the Belles in 2008.
