September 3, 2015

Things Are Looking Up For Falcons

The 2014 season was a bit of a struggle for the Fitchburg State University women's soccer team. Entering the second year of a new regime, things are looking up, with veteran players prepared to go, a few additions transitioning well, and the development of the right attitude for success.

COURTESY OF MATT STEWART - SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE

FITCHBURG -- The 2014 season was a bit of a struggle for the Fitchburg State University women's soccer team.

Entering the second year of a new regime, things are looking up, with veteran players prepared to go, a few additions transitioning well, and the development of the right attitude for success.

FSU women's soccer

The Fitchburg State women open the season Saturday at home against Bay Path.

"We have seven returning players, and my captains have been great since they were elected in December," Fitchburg State head coach Patricia McColl said. "With the new players who have come along we've developed a buddy system, so that when the incoming freshmen and new players enter the program, they have a name and a face once they came on campus. We have such a great, positive influence on the program, and we've had great attitude and can't wait for the season to begin."

The Falcons finished a disappointing 3-14-1 last season, but with half the team being newcomers, it is a fresh start and a new look.

"We're taking it one day at a time, and ever since we stepped on the field we've grown as a team," McColl said. "We've developed as a team and seen improvement. The girls are anxious to step on the field and show all the other teams what we have to offer is very impressive."

Possibly the most notable returner is junior Sammi Zina, who was a MASCAC all-conference selection last season. Zina contributes to both offensive and defensive efforts, playing a defensive midfield position for the Falcons.

"Zina is quiet, but is a force on the field," McColl said. "She does a lot of directing and, because of her skill-level, she has been able to bring other players up to her level."

Right alongside Zina in the midfield, at central midfielder, is junior captain Abbey Norden. Norden has great range and contributes more on offense for the Falcon system.

"Norden's intensity level is very high when she steps on the field," McColl said. "She'll be moving from a wing position to a central midfield position. Her love for the game, her passion and her overall ability are going to be a great influence on the field for those around her."

Former midfielder Andrea Comeau will make defense her new home on the field. Comeau plays lacrosse during the spring for the Falcons, and should play a key role in fortifying the back line.

"Comeau is going to be a very good defender for us," McColl said. "She's strong, she talks and she's just overall a tough player."

Lunenburg graduate Whitney Mansfield figures to play a more prominent role in the Falcons offense this year as a sophomore after logging contributing minutes as a freshman last season.

"Right now we're unsure where we're going to put Mansfield, because Whitney is a very versatile player," McColl said. "We're deciding between playing her at midfield and forward, but after watching her in practice, she's done a lot with the ball in the offseason, and she's going to be solid for us."

Offseason surgery is sidelining Alexa Sterner at the moment, but her return should provide a big boost to defensive efforts.

"Sterner's presence on the field is inspiring," McColl said. "Just her physical ability and the way she presents herself, helps improve the players around.

Danyel Stone returns at the forward position and will see her role evolve from contributor to more of a major player. McColl says her speedy forward has worked extremely hard in the offseason to fuse her athletic ability with her soccer skill.

Ali Sheehan is a converted midfielder who will be playing defense. The former gymnast with great speed, agility and endurance should solidify the back line. Victoria Floeck is another versatile athlete capable of playing multiple positions, and last year picked up rookie of the week honors for the MASCAC, having scored three goals in her inaugural season.

There are several quality freshmen on the roster, but one in particular should log quite a few minutes.

The coaching staff is expecting Shelby Gale to perform well beyond her years in net, as she will assume goalkeeping responsibilities. Morgan Steele, a junior newcomer, should also be fighting for minutes at the position.

"Gale is improving right along with all of the other freshmen," McColl said. "I'm sure she's going to have some butterflies when she steps on the field. When we step on the field on Saturday I'm not sure what goalie we'll be going with, but Gale looks good so far."

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