2009 Walsh University Women's Soccer Outlook
Walsh begins a new era in women’s soccer on August 28, when Head Coach Sara Renard leads the Cavs in the opening of the 2009 season. Renard, the fourth coach in the history of the program, returns 14 letter winners from the 2008 season. Walsh finished 9-9-1 overall last year, and 7-5-1 in the American Mideast Conference, good enough for seventh place finish and a return to post season action.
Despite losing two of their top four scorers from last season, the Cavs return their top two scorers and plenty of experience.
The Cavs are deep at every position, which includes forward. Top scorer and third-team All-AMC selection Amanda Patrick (5-7, Sr., Medina, OH/Cloverleaf) returns, along with second leading scorer Abbie Sullivan (5-7, Sr., Canton, OH/GlenOak). Patrick led the team with 20 points and a team-best 10 assists. Sullivan, who also earned honorable mention All-AMC accolades, led the Cavs with seven goals and finished second to Patrick with 17 points. This twosome will lead the Cavs scoring attack. Freshman Molly Martin (5-7, Canfield, OH/HS), should start at the other forward spot. Martin tallied 15 goals as a senior and earned all-district and all-county recognition. Freshmen Carley Adams (5-7, Louisville, OH/HS) and Chloe Zidian (5-8, Boardman, OH/HS) will challenge for playing time. Adams, a former Stark County Player of the Year, scored 33 goals her senior year, while Zidian missed her senior season due to injury. Veterans Theresa Boyne (5-7, So., Strongsville, OH/Padua) and Suzanne Flanigan (5-7, Jr., Cleves, OH/Seton) are both battling early season injuries. Boyne is coming back from a stress fracture, while Flanigan has a nagging shoulder injury. Also in the mix is freshman Holly Repas (5-6, Stow, OH/HS).
At midfield, the Cavs welcome the return of Shayna McDermitt (5-4, Jr., Green, OH/HS). McDermitt missed all of last season due to knee surgery. She is 100%, and ready to return to the form that earned her NAIA Honorable Mention as a defender her sophomore year. Rachel Naumann (5-3, Jr., Hinckley, OH/Highland), who earned honorable mention All-AMC accolades last year will also start. Naumann scored five goals last year. Freshman Gina Pinzone (5-6, Cleveland, OH/Padua Franciscan) will contend for the remaining spot. Pinzone led Padua to the district finals last year. Veterans Dana Speicher (5-5, Sr., Stow, OH/Archbishop Hoban), Molly Vanover (5-8, So., Tipp City, OH/Tippacanoe) and freshman Maggie Vinopal (5-7, Boardman, OH/Cardinal Mooney) will all see action.
The Cavs are deep at center-back, with three veterans and one newcomer. Look for freshman Kelly Sklenar (5-3, Canfield, OH/Cardinal Mooney) to start at one position and veteran Stacy Poliak (5-5, Sr., Parma, OH/Normandy). Sklenar is a former two-time first-team All-Steel Valley Conference selection. Poliak emerged last season and earned third-team All-AMC honors after an outstanding season. Pushing Sklenar and Poliak are veterans Leah Wilklow (5-4, So., Rochester, NY/Nazareth Academy) and Colleen Hernan (5-4, So., Poland, OH/Cardinal Mooney). Wilklow started 18 games last year, while Hernan started all 19 games. The Cavs are in great shape at center-back.
At outside back, the Cavs have four freshmen and one senior battling for playing time. Sophomore Stephanie Sussman (5-4, Jr., Wadsworth, OH/HS) will start along with freshman Erin Naumann (5-11, Medina, OH/Highland). Erin is the sister of Rachel. Sussman played in 17 games last year and started five. Naumann is a former first-team All-Suburban League selection. Freshman Emma Engler (4-11, Canfield, OH/Cardinal Mooney) is battling an early season injury, but will be in the mix when healthy. Freshmen Michelle Sloan (5-3, Farmdale, OH/Maplewood) and Alyssa Akers (5-6, Twinsburg, OH/HS) will also vie for playing time. Each earned first-team all-conference recognition.
Returnee Jillian Zanney (5-11, So., Brunswick, OH/HS) will get the nod in goal. Zanney earned second-team All-AMC honors as a freshman. Zanney recorded two shutouts and a 2.06 goals against average in 16 games. Freshmen Kristin Fling (5-10, Barberton, OH/Manchester) and Sara Boytim (5-7, Springboro, OH/HS) give the Cavs the most depth that they have had at goalie in years. Each earned all-conference accolades at their respective schools.
The Cavs are excited as they begin a new era in women's soccer. Once they learn the system and adapt to one another, the team will gel, with hopes of contending. Look for Renard’s first team to be a successful one.
