Falcons look to repeat as OCAA champions
The Fanshawe College and defending Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) champion women's soccer team is in the middle of their title defense for the 2006 season. Currently posting a 3-1 record in regular season play, the Falcons will look to use the experience they gained last season to carry-over into 2006.
Associate Coach, Stacey Malloch said a strong offensive attack and a savvy mindset are a couple of the team's greatest strengths.
“Our attacking game and our experience are key for us,” Malloch said. “We have eleven or twelve returning players so repeating as OCAA champions is our teams top priority.”
Last seasons Fanshawe College Female Athlete of the Year, Most Valuable Player, OCAA, Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) All-star and team captain, Emily Costello, will be returning to anchor the Falcons defense.
OCAA top goalkeeper award winners, Ashley Strocki and Carly Warner will once again share the goaltending duties, while the 2005 OCAA Scoring champion, OCAA Rookie of the Year, and OCAA Championship Most Valuable Player, Melissa Elie, is back after seriously injuring her knee in last years OCAA championship game.
Elie is back on the field this season but is taking it slow while she gets back in top playing shape.
“I've gotten in for a few minutes so far,” Elie said. “The knee is coming along great though and I'm looking forward to getting more playing time.”
After winning the 2005 OCAA Coach of year award in her first season leading the Falcons, Eva Havaris is back to lead the team once again. Malloch and Assistant Coach Cecily Clarke are returning as well to aid Havaris this season.
“The main thing is we have a lot of potential,” Malloch said. “We need to play as a cohesive unit, gel together as a team, and we should be able to accomplish what we are working towards.”
The women will bring their 3-1 record to Cambrian College on Sunday October 1 to take on the Golden Shield. The Falcons next home game is against the Sheridan Bruins on Thursday, October 5 at Fanshawe Stadium on the London Campus.
Associate Coach, Stacey Malloch said a strong offensive attack and a savvy mindset are a couple of the team's greatest strengths.
“Our attacking game and our experience are key for us,” Malloch said. “We have eleven or twelve returning players so repeating as OCAA champions is our teams top priority.”
Last seasons Fanshawe College Female Athlete of the Year, Most Valuable Player, OCAA, Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) All-star and team captain, Emily Costello, will be returning to anchor the Falcons defense.
OCAA top goalkeeper award winners, Ashley Strocki and Carly Warner will once again share the goaltending duties, while the 2005 OCAA Scoring champion, OCAA Rookie of the Year, and OCAA Championship Most Valuable Player, Melissa Elie, is back after seriously injuring her knee in last years OCAA championship game.
Elie is back on the field this season but is taking it slow while she gets back in top playing shape.
“I've gotten in for a few minutes so far,” Elie said. “The knee is coming along great though and I'm looking forward to getting more playing time.”
After winning the 2005 OCAA Coach of year award in her first season leading the Falcons, Eva Havaris is back to lead the team once again. Malloch and Assistant Coach Cecily Clarke are returning as well to aid Havaris this season.
“The main thing is we have a lot of potential,” Malloch said. “We need to play as a cohesive unit, gel together as a team, and we should be able to accomplish what we are working towards.”
The women will bring their 3-1 record to Cambrian College on Sunday October 1 to take on the Golden Shield. The Falcons next home game is against the Sheridan Bruins on Thursday, October 5 at Fanshawe Stadium on the London Campus.
