NEW PALTZ, NY — The 2007 version of the New Paltz women’s soccer team looks to expand on last season’s 6-8-3 record. In a competitive SUNYAC league the Hawks battled to a 3-5-2 record and finished seventh in the conference, just missing post season play. A major highlight of the season included a 2-1 double overtime victory over Cortland. It was the first win for the Hawks against the Red Dragons in 23 tries. Head Coach Colleen Bruley embarks on her 11th season and hopes to builds on the successes of 2006.
Bruley feels that there is better team unity than in past years between her returning veterans and top-notch recruiting class which will has provided more depth at all positions.
Senior Stephanie Potts (Cortlandt Manor/Lakeland), who had two goals and one assist last season, along with first years Tanja Todoric (Spring Valley), and Kelly Gorton (New Paltz) will pace the attack. Juniors Courtney Neenan (New Paltz) , Kate Addiss (Amherst) and first year Rebecca Devlin (Staten Island/Moore Catholic) provide depth at the position.
In the midfield, New Paltz appears to be deep and experienced. Junior all-conference selection Jennifer Anselmi (North Rockland) and senior transfer Rachel Vanni (Haskell, NJ/Lakeland Regional) will control the middle of the field, while seniors Lauren Martel (W. Sayville/Sayville) and Carolyn Mounteer (Altamont/Schalmont) patrol the outsides.
First years Brittany Bennett (Smithtown/Smithtown West), Emily Buckner (Pine Bush), Vanessa Rogers (Otisville/Minisink Valley)and Bridgitte Hooker (Glens Falls) will compete for playing time off the bench.
New Paltz’s defense should be the strong point this season as seniors Kelly Amendola (Brewster), Jacqueline Sellitto (Hauppauge) and sophomore All-SUNYAC selection Jennifer Moretti (Sayville) return to the back. Stephanie Wallman (Smithtown), who returns to the Hawks lineup after spending last fall at UConn, will complete the defensive line.
Junior Aileen Keaveney (West Hempstead/Kellenberg Memorial) and sophomore Rebecca Kafko (Brooklyn/Midwood) will push the starters for playing time. Junior Brianne Miller (Blue Point/Bayport Blue Point) and first year Maureen Cooley (Phelps/Midlakes) will provide additional defensive support.
Junior Sarah Boccard (Washingtonville), who posted a 1.13 goal against average along with seven shutouts last season, returns to the net. First year Nora Westcott (Howard Beach/St. Francis Prep) will retain the job as the number two goalie and when not in net she will be competing for a spot at midfield.
The Hawks open their season against RPI on Saturday, September 1, with the home opener coming on Wednesday, September 5 versus Ramapo at 4:30 p.m.
