2008 Woodie Awards
Women's soccer takes out Mansfield
Earns highest national ranking in three years
By Brandon Fox
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: Sports
Defensively, the green and white were lead by goalies Lauren McManus and Sarah Lacey, who both saw time in net.
"Lauren and Sarah are really battling out there," Herhliy said. "It was nice to get them both in there."
Herhliy also expressed her pleasure with the chance to get some of the younger players into the game early and give them a chance to play.
"It was nice to give some of the senior players a well-deserved rest," Herlihy said. "It was also great to get the younger players some game experience. That is one of the things that I think separates this team from last year's squad, in that we have a great amount of depth at all positions and we can put different people in and not miss a beat."
One of those younger players, freshman Cara Kelleher, who was starting in place of the injured Alexis Chiani, has stepped into a starting role very well.
"Cara got the game-winner against Lock Haven, which was huge for not only the team, but for her as well. It was the first game she has started this year and she really stepped up," Herhliy said. "It is nice that she can come in and fill that role for us at any time."
Kelleher also praised the ability of the younger players to step up when needed.
"We all know where we fit," Kelleher said. "We don't have a lot of experience, but we know we can come in and get the job done when need be."
The Rock's success in the first eight games of the season has been aided by the ability of a relatively young defense to shake off any troubles associated with playing as part of such an untested group.
"Our defense has improved all season and especially since the Kutztown loss," Herhliy said. "Our shutout on Saturday was great in that we were able to build some confidence heading into some tougher games."
Keller said that good defense is all about trust, which is something she thinks the team has plenty of.
"We are all comfortable in the back, and we trust each other," she said. "You have to know that people will cover you. You have to trust the system and the players."
The Rock will look continue its success when it battles PSAC-East foe Millersville on Saturday at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
"Lauren and Sarah are really battling out there," Herhliy said. "It was nice to get them both in there."
Herhliy also expressed her pleasure with the chance to get some of the younger players into the game early and give them a chance to play.
"It was nice to give some of the senior players a well-deserved rest," Herlihy said. "It was also great to get the younger players some game experience. That is one of the things that I think separates this team from last year's squad, in that we have a great amount of depth at all positions and we can put different people in and not miss a beat."
One of those younger players, freshman Cara Kelleher, who was starting in place of the injured Alexis Chiani, has stepped into a starting role very well.
"Cara got the game-winner against Lock Haven, which was huge for not only the team, but for her as well. It was the first game she has started this year and she really stepped up," Herhliy said. "It is nice that she can come in and fill that role for us at any time."
Kelleher also praised the ability of the younger players to step up when needed.
"We all know where we fit," Kelleher said. "We don't have a lot of experience, but we know we can come in and get the job done when need be."
The Rock's success in the first eight games of the season has been aided by the ability of a relatively young defense to shake off any troubles associated with playing as part of such an untested group.
"Our defense has improved all season and especially since the Kutztown loss," Herhliy said. "Our shutout on Saturday was great in that we were able to build some confidence heading into some tougher games."
Keller said that good defense is all about trust, which is something she thinks the team has plenty of.
"We are all comfortable in the back, and we trust each other," she said. "You have to know that people will cover you. You have to trust the system and the players."
The Rock will look continue its success when it battles PSAC-East foe Millersville on Saturday at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
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