Sitting in their makeshift, but beloved “locker room,” also known as the Harkness Common Room, the members of the Connecticut College Women’s Soccer Team got focused for their upcoming game against the United States Coast Guard Academy.
Energizing music filled the room as each player sat pulling on her socks, shin-guards, and shoes. With a final burst of cheering, the women exited Harkness and strode towards their bench.
After two weeks of preseason, the women’s soccer team took to their field and warmed up for their game. With a traditional cheer of “Awwww CC,” our team readied itself for the kick off.
From the very beginning, the Camels took control of the game. Before the scoreboard hit two minutes of playing time, sophomore Brigi Palatino crossed the ball to senior Sharon Katz for a goal. Katz ‘10 then continued to assist the next three goals, two to senior captain Erin Davey and another to Palatino.
Freshman Ali McKeigue and junior Chelsea Johnson also tallied a goal each.
Although a breakdown during the first half let the Coast Guard Bears get on the scoreboard, Connecticut College made this a decisive win with the final score reading 6-1.
Freshman keeper Amy Lowitt and senior keeper Jenna Ross split time in the net, each playing a half in goal.
This game is hopefully the first of many wins for the women’s soccer team this season. After a disappointing season last year, many of the ladies have returned with an intense desire to compete and win.
With fifteen returning players, the team is quite experienced with the fast, tough play of the NESCAC. The seven freshmen are adapting quickly and should positively impact the team’s play this fall.
In addition to adding a large number of freshmen to the team this fall, the Camels have a new assistant coach. Andrea Giuliano, who graduated from NESCAC opponent Wesleyan in 2009, serves as the goalkeeper coach in addition to the assistant coach.
While at Wesleyan, Giuliano played keeper for their soccer team, and her expertise is welcomed after a previous season with out a goalkeeper coach.
Overall, the team is looking very promising for this season and for seasons to come. Head coach Winnie Edmed has been preparing the girls for the season ahead, and seems to be pleased about the way things are coming together.
This season, the team has not only skilled starters, but a very deep bench as well, which Edmed believes will be one of the team’s strengths.
Although some players’ positions have been shifted this year, the women are adapting and excelling in their new roles.
This Saturday, September 12, marked an important and challenging game for the Camels as they took on the Bates Bobcats in Maine. This was their first NESCAC match of the season, and proved to be a close game as in previous years. The Camels unfortunately were unable to carry their momentum from the Coast Guard game on Thursday and lost to the Bobcats 1-3.
