University of Richmond Athletics
Focused and Ready; Women's Soccer Outlook
07/15/2002 | Women's Soccer
July 15, 2002
A team without superstars is how Richmond head coach Peter Albright describes his 2002 squad. However, don't think this Spiders team isn't hungry. The 13 returning players are focused and committed to building on Richmond's tradition as a fine soccer team.
"Success is based on the ability to work as a team," says seventh-year head coach Peter Albright. "This team had a tremendous spring as we established a playing style, but more importantly, we developed a strong team chemistry that I am confident will carry over into the fall."
Last season, the Spiders (10-9-1) finished second in the Atlantic 10 regular season (9-3), advancing to the Championship game before falling to Dayton, 2-1.
"The adjective to use to describe last season was 'unsettled' as we were unable to establish any consistency," says Albright. A number of injuries forced line-up changes nearly every game.
One thing Albright and his staff have done this season is adjust the Spiders' game to fit the Atlantic 10 patient style of play.
"In past years we have been a very direct play team, a counter-attacking transition style team that really tried to get the ball up-field quickly. The pace of the A-10 games tends to be a little more frantic against teams that don't possess the ball much," says Albright. "To be able to control the outcome of the match, we are hoping to be able to control the ball and the pace of the game and not just attack."
The team will be tested early as they boast the toughest non-conference schedule in the Atlantic 10. Dartmouth, UPenn, Virginia, James Madison and Rutgers dot the slate.
"The team looks to earn recognition with some quality wins over these opponents that will prepare us for a tough conference schedule," Albright notes.
Richmond has an advantage this season in that the team can now visualize its opponents. The Spiders never faced an Atlantic 10 opponent before last season, although they out-scored their counterparts, 22-9.
"We will respect the teams from 1-12 in the conference," says Albright. "Every game the players know is a challenge."
In addition to the 13 returning players and eight returning starters, a host of freshmen join the squad in 2002 and Albright could not be happier with his prized recruits.
"I am really excited about this freshman class," he says. "We can bring them up slowly and watch them develop much different than last year when we started three or four freshmen at a time. We now have the luxury of having accomplished players in balanced positions on the field."
FORWARDS
The front row features the return of the team's top scorer from a season ago, senior Jenna Merriam. Merriam scored a team-high seven goals while adding three assists for 17 points.
"Merriam is the last piece of the puzzle, " says Albright. "She suffered last year from the team's inability to keep the ball as we did not give her enough chances to score. That will change this season."
Junior Jessica Marino (one goal, two assists) and sophomore Whitney Sikes (two goals, two assists) showed a tremendous amount of improvement in the spring. The two will be looked upon to add flair and speed in the forward spots.
There are a number of freshmen that could emerge and make an impact. Annette Isham is a speed threat on attacking one-on-one, while Christa Sikes and Susan Darrah are accomplished players who may well earn valuable playing time as the season progresses.
MIDFIELDERS
Skill and depth are the two best words to describe the 2002 Spider midfield.
"We expect to play with four individuals in the midfield who will match up skillfully with anyone we play," says Albright. "The experience and the depth we have at this position will serve us greatly."
Meredith Johnson (one goal, two assists), returning for her fifth season, was one of only two Spiders to start all 20 matches a year ago. The Atlantic 10 second-team selection will assume the leadership role in the middle.
"Meredith is a special athlete and a tremendous competitor," Albright says of his co-captain. "Her drive to win is contagious and that mixed with her athletic skill are what makes her presence important for the team."
Albright uses the adjective 'strong' to describe all-conference performer Edda Gardarsdottir (three goals, three assists).
"Edda has a high standard of play, expecting nothing less than the best, " Albright notes of the Icelandic national player. "She has adapted to our style of play and mixes her clever skills with a long-range shooting ability. If she gets chances, she will score."
Junior Bethany Shewmaker (one assist) missed most of last season with an injury but is projected to be a key contributor this fall.
"Bethany is one of the toughest competitors I've ever coached," comments Albright. "If she stays healthy, she will be one of the top midfielders in the A-10."
Another likely starter is sophomore Meghan Ogilive. She only saw action in eight games in 2001 due to injury.
"Meghan is a very good player, " says Albright. "Her level of fitness will determine whether she has a good year or a great year."
Freshmen Kaile Partridge and Lindsey Reid will also compete for playing time as they make the transition to the college game.
BACKS
Richmond's defense is what Albright calls, "one of our real strengths." That should be no surprise as he returns a veteran corp.
Staples of the Richmond defense, senior co-captains Katie Krein and Anne Rieser will anchor the unit. The duo, Albright notes, balance each other out. "Katie and Anne have not only strength of soccer ability, but strength of character as well," notes Albright of his central defenders.
Krein, a four-year starter, entered the Richmond lineup her freshman campaign, marked Clemson All-American Dee Harrington and easily won Albright's admiration. Her leadership and talent will be looked upon again in 2002.
"Anne is always ready for the toughest assignment," Albright says of the red-shirt senior. "She is one of the top five players I have ever coached in terms of athletism." Junior Molly Rettig (five goals, four assists), the second-leading returning scorer in 2001 with five goals, relocates from a forward spot to left back.
"Molly is very versatile," says Albright. "This position gives her the ball more facing the goal than playing in the forward slot and also offers her the opportunity to use her long passing and dribbling skills."
Sophomore Lyndal Hegamyer earned valuable playing time last fall and is looked upon this season to fill the right back position. She forms a speedy tandem with Rettig, with both able to attack from the wide positions.
Freshman Hillary Prince and senior Alesha Irvin are expected to vie for starting positions.
Versatile and athletic, freshman Carly Gettler will compete for playing time as a forward or central defender.
"Gettler's speed and determination are her biggest assets." comments Albright "As she gains experience, I expect her to develop into a major contributor."
GOALKEEPING
The graduation of Atlantic 10 first-team selection Kristen Samuhel leaves a void in the net for the first time in four seasons.
"Kristen possessed the standards of which future Richmond goalkeepers are judged," says Albright of the program record holder in every category. Megan Cox and Samantha Honig, two upperclassman with limited playing time, will contend for the starting nod.
"Megan and Sam split time during the spring," says Albright of the juniors. "They have different strengths. Megan is good at one-on-ones while Sam is good at covering goal and distribution. Both will challenge for the job."
Throw in that mix, a standout freshman named Kelly Kolker.
"Competition will bring out the best in all of them," says Albright.
