Lady Mariners Soccer Looks Forward to 09 Season
The Maine Maritime Women’s Soccer program is eagerly awaiting the start of the 2009 season. The 2008 season saw the Lady Mariners qualify for their ninth consecutive North Atlantic Conference Tournament. The conference coaches voted three players to the all NAC teams at the end of the year, which included Katie Hutchinson (Dixfield, ME), Diana Manatt-Rogers (Conway, MA), and Megan Russell (Peru, ME). The Lady Mariners also had a lot of success in the classroom as they were honored with the NSCAA Team Academic Award with a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20.
The Lady Mariners return nine starters, and 13 veterans from last years’ squad, and seven talented freshmen will be added for the 09' season. The attack will be led by senior tri- captain Diana Manatt-Rogers ( Conway, MA) , who has been a three time all conference selection during her time in Castine. Also returning up front will be sophomores Emily Brogden (Union, ME), and Emma Damon (Bar Harbor, ME) both of whom gained valuable experience as a freshman last year. Two first year players are looking to make an immediate impact up front in Callie Thompson (Windsor, ME), and Christina Evans (Beaverdam, VA).
The midfield will be led by two time all conference selection Katie Hutchinson (Dixfield, ME), and senior tri-captain and four year starter Kelsi Eiane (Harpswell, ME). Also returning in the midfield will be senior Sarah Paquette (Rochester, VT) who established herself as a consistent starter last year, and junior Amy Lane (Lee, ME) who was a valuable reserve last season. A trio of talented young freshman will be pushing this group for playing time from the first day of practice. Alexis Bennett (Freedom, ME) is a tremendous athlete and competitor who will make an immediate impact on the team. Kari Jones (Nobleboro, ME) is another young athletic player who will compete for playing time right away, as will Autumn Jones (Windham, ME).
Defensively the Lady Mariners return several experienced players, and welcome some new talent. Senior tri-captain and two year starter Kim Watts (Tennants Harbor, ME) returns as well as all conference sweeper Megan Russell (Peru, ME). Two year starter and the teams most improved player in 08', Jess Stahl (Bowdoin, ME), will solidify the back line. Sophomore Dana Innis (Harpswell, ME) and senior Sam Rheaume (Andover, NH) played a lot of valuable minutes for the team last year. Two first year players will look to crack the starting group in Ashley Marcellino (Winthrop, ME), and Caissie Nevala (Machiasport, ME).
Two year starter Lacey Jackson (York, PA) will return in goal for the mariners.
Third year coach Travers Evans is excited about the 09 season. “We return several experienced players, and have added a very good group of freshman. We will have more depth, and be a more athletic team then we were last season. I'm looking forward to pre season and working with this group of young ladies” states Coach Evans.
The Lady Mariners open their season Saturday, September 5 at home vs the University of New England.
Women's Soccer