Aug. 24, 2007
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Armed with a steady nucleus of experienced returnees and a freshman class rated as the best in the SEC, Vanderbilt kicks off the 2007 soccer season with an exhibition match against Virginia Tech Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the VU Soccer Complex.
The Commodores are coming off back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances and finished the 2006 campaign with a 10-4-7 ledger. An equal number of 12 players from last year plus 12 talented freshman, rated No. 1 by the Soccer Buzz website, has head coach Ronnie Coveleskie excited about this season’s team.
“It is a very exciting time,” said Coveleskie. “Not only do we have a talented group of returners but we have added a stellar group of incoming freshman. The biggest challenge for me as a coach will be to find the right chemistry and combination on the field to help us win games.”
Seniors Amy Baumann, Sarah Dennis, Brette Healy, Meredith Kohn and Audrey Nonemaker are expected to lead the way in 2007.
Another upperclassmen that is expected to lead is junior midfielder Katie Schulz who was an All-SEC and National Soccer Coaches Association All-Region pick a year ago. Schulz focused most of her energies on defense her first two years at Vanderbilt, but will take on more of an offensive role this year.
Several of the newcomers should challenge for significant playing time, led by goalkeeper Rachel Bachtel who will make her first collegiate start against the Hokies on Friday.
As a coach I have never been more excited than I am this year,” said Coveleskie. “I am feeding off the energy of our returning players. They have tremendous energy and excitement about the addition of the newcomers.”
The Commodores have set the bar high as far as a season goal, making it to the NCAA tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16.
“Our goal as a group is to make it to the Sweet 16,” said the seventh-year head coach. “Let’s reestablish and gain some respect for Vanderbilt soccer nationally. Let’s make sure we take care of business on the field day in and day out. We won’t dwell on the fact that we are young and inexperienced because of our age, but we will focus on the fact that we are good soccer players and I think that is what will pull us through.”
The first opponent, Virginia Tech, has 10 starters returning from last year’s team that finished 6-8-4 overall and 1-6-3 in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Dores will then hit the road for three games to start the regular season before returning home for the season opener against Tennessee Tech on Sept. 9 at 2 p.m.
