Ward leading road to redemption
Posted by The Skyliner on September 1st, 2010Billy Cannada
Staff Writer
With fresh faces and a chip on their shoulders, the Lady Crusader soccer team will be seeking redemption for last season’s disappointing end.
Despite losing the final game of the 2009 NCCAA Regional Final and finishing with a record of 13-8, the team says it believes it is ready to take on a new season.
“It was frustrating,” said head coach Jesse McCormick of the 2-1 loss to Palm Beach Atlantic. “It was hard losing at the end, but it gives us something to work for this year.”
The Lady Crusaders have an abundance of freshman this season, but McCormick remains optimistic.
“I’m very happy with our team and what I’ve seen so far,” he said. “We have the ability to score goals, but it’s going to be important to keep everyone healthy.”
Forward Leah Ward, senior sport management, who led the team with 16 goals on 72 shots last season, says she believes the team’ only weakness may be depth.
“There’s only eight returning players so it’s like starting over as a team,” said Ward. “We’re very limited on subs, which is an important part of the game.”
Ward says having new players will require upperclassmen to step up and help lead the team, a role she won’t mind filling.
“There’s a stronger sense of leadership this season,” said Ward. “[Things] have run very smoothly through the pre-season.”
While the team is still learning to play together, McCormick says he wants them to focus on getting better.
“We want to improve every season,” said McCormick. “We have a good schedule this year and making it to the national tournament is something we’re shooting for.”
Ward says she would like another crack at the Regional Championship.
“If we all remain healthy, we can go far,” she said. “Our goal is to win Regionals.”
North Greenville will play its first game of 2010 on Sept. 2 against Lander University at 7 p.m. in Tigerville.
Tags: Fall 2010, Vol. 111 Fall - Issue 1