Rookies and vets gel on the soccer field

Aggression and defensive prowess will be at the forefront for the women's soccer team in the 2005 season.

The new coaching staff consisting of head coach Eva Havaris and her pair of assistants, Cecily Clarke and Jessica Kapitany, has selected and finalized the roster of Fanshawe's women's soccer team. After surviving tryouts, the team will now face the task of learning each other's individual styles.

“Gelling together as a team will be really important and getting more familiar with each other,” said Havaris.

The team will have some returning veterans, including Lyndsey Bannerman, Liz Hall, Heather Danylchuk, and Krista Lenardan. Havaris said she has high expectations for these experienced players but says they should blend well with the rookie talent.

“We have a good mix of players and I expect some leadership roles to be filled by the younger players as well,” Havaris said.

The first year standouts include Emily Costello, Melissa Elie, and Nat Viljevac. Ashley Strocki and Carley Wagner, a converted rugby player, will share the goaltending duties for the team as well.

Havaris notes that the team will have a very aggressive style of play.

“We will definitely be a physical team,” said Havaris. “Defensively and in goal we should be strong, and we have a good group of girls with great attitudes.”

Havaris also said the team must improve their fitness level in order to be successful and will face some challenges with adjusting to a new coach, new program, and new team outlook. In terms of expectations Havaris is hesitant to foretell any outcomes for the season.

“I'm not aware of the league yet, and we're still all getting on the same page,” said Havaris. “We did very well in our first exhibition, and they showed us things that we did not see in tryouts.”

The women defeated the Lambton Lions by a score of 4-0 at the September 9th exhibition game. The regular season will kick off on Saturday September 17th when Fanshawe hosts the Saint Clair Saints at 12 p.m., and on Wednesday September 21st at 5 p.m. when Fanshawe hosts the Royals of Redeemer University College.