The Observer, September 2, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1
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Overcome by injuries a year ago, the Case women's soccer team will look towards an infusion of youth to complement a veteran presence. The squad welcomes nine new players to the team as it tries to avenge last year's losing record (3-11-2).
The team returns 10 players as well, led by senior captains Lauren Gaeta and sisters Beth and Cara Stepanczuk. Gaeta, who will assume the starting keeper position, is feeling positive about the team's chemistry.
"Having a mix of half returning players and half new players is tough, but I think the team is gelling very well, on and off the field," she explained.
Gaeta, coming off a season in which she posted 1.65 goals against average in a part-time role, will be given an opportunity this season to lock down the position in a full-time role and lead the defense.
Junior forward Amber Taylor, who tied for the team lead in goals in 2004, is excited for the season and an opportunity to elevate the level of play on the offensive end.
"I want to keep my head in the game for the full game and get some balls in the back of the net," said Taylor.
Look for freshmen to also make an impact on the offensive end, while the midfielding tandem of Beth and Cara Stepanczuk, who both earned conference honorable mentions last year, will be looked upon to set up the play of the offense.
The Lady Spartans' season opened last night at John Carroll University, and will continue this weekend at the Kenyon Tournament, with afternoon kickoffs against Kenyon College and St. Joseph on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The squad will then gear up for the UAA conference slate with non-conference match-ups that include home games against nearby Mount Union and Baldwin-Wallace.
Highlighted conference games include the conference opener at home against Brandeis University on Saturday, Oct. 1 and an Oct. 14 rematch on the road in St. Louis against Washington University, who beat the Spartans last year in a double overtime heartbreak. School rival Carnegie Mellon visits for a Friday night match on Oct. 28.
Having home games again will be a welcome change of pace for the Lady Spartans, who had the disadvantage of playing their full schedule on the road last season due to campus construction.
The Mount Union game will kick off Tuesday Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village and will mark the first steps that the Lady Spartans take in game action on the field.
Head coach Emily Donovan enters her sixth season at the helm of the program focused on fielding a tough, competitive soccer club.
"I think there is a renewed sense of pride," the coach said. "It's tough not having a home field to defend. It'll definitely help us out this year."
