There has been a constant theme for the Behrend women’s soccer program over the last 14 years. Success. With 12 winning seasons, including a 14-4-4 record in 2009, the Lions have built a tradition of success that interim head coach Daniel Mudd hopes to continue in his first year.
“I have inherited a great position here at Behrend,” said Mudd. “As the interim head coach, it is my job to continue the work from last year and hopefully have a successful season.”
Last year’s team posted a 9-0-1 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) record to be named the conference’s regular season champions. Behrend fell in the first round of the AMCC Tournament but earned a bid to the ECAC Championships, advancing to the title game. It marked the ninth season the Lions made postseason play.
The success in 2009 came largely in part of the defense that posted a 0.56 goals-against average, allowing only 13 goals in 22 games. The offense also played a role in scoring 59 goals with 11 players recording more than one goal. Nine out of the 11 starters return to the pitch, including All-AMCC performers Kelly Thill and Kourtney Gasparovic.
Thill was named to the All-AMCC first team, while earning the team’s leadership/scholarship award and being selected as an ECAC All-Star. Gasparovic wasted no time making a mark on the squad with the Rookie of the Year award and All-AMCC second team honors. Sophomore Christina Nguyen and junior Chelsey Lewis are looking to contribute to the defense. Nguyen saw time in 12 games as a newcomer and Lewis comes back for her second year after taking a year off.
The midfield is laced with all-conference honorees with the return of Valerie Wagner, Meredith Gipson, Lindsey Steinsdoerfer and Jaclyn Stottlemyer. Senior Caitlyn Elser completes the four returning starters in the middle. Elser, along with senior Dana Cerminara, bring three years experience and leadership to the lineup.
Wagner was selected to the All-AMCC first team after leading the team with eight goals and five assists. She started all 22 games and was named an ECAC All-Star. Gipson, Steinsdoerfer and Stottlemyer were honorable mentions in the midfield. Gipson tallied five goals and three assists in her first year with the Lions, earning the team’s Most Improved Player award. Steinsdoerfer is a two-time all-conference performer who has great attacking ability and contributed four goals with three assists in 2009.
The excitement stemming from the offensive core depth continues with the return of the three starting front runners. Glennis Robash, Heather Klimuszka, and Erin McCreary all are back for their third year with the Lions after scoring eight goals apiece last year. Robash earned her first all-conference nod as an honorable mention in 2009. Junior Emily Lewis and sophomore Julia Schroeck are looking to get into the mix up top.
“We have a lot of exciting and talented returning players,” said Mudd. “We expect to see some flair coming from the new faces that have been brought in.”
Three of those new faces will be battling it out for the starting position in the net. Freshmen Robin Siegenthaler, Alayna Steele and sophomore Allison Knouse will replace three-time All-AMCC choice and two-time captain Kayla Frost.
The Lions begin the season on Sept. 1 at Washington & Jefferson before returning for the annual Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament. Behrend will face Hiram on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the opening round. Fans unable to attend the games in Erie will be able to follow the action on the website as Behrend will be offering live statistics for all home games this season.
