August 17, 2009
By: Erin Neal, sports information assistant

The 2009 fall season looks bright for the Bluffton University women's soccer team. The Beavers return 8 of 11 starters from a record-setting 2008 team, and they look to build on their 6-10-1 record overall (3-5 HCAC). The three conference wins were the most ever for the Beavers since joining the Heartland Conference in 1999. Likewise, the Beavers' six overall victories during the 2008 campaign were the most since the 1999 Bluffton women finished 8-9 overall.

The Bluffton defense returns with a determined group of experienced players in the backfield. Sophomores Elyse Coker (Wellington/Wellington), Jessica Maffett (Loudonville/Loudonville), Megan Denoi (Bryan/Bryan), Tasha Eickholt (Cloverdale/Ottoville), and Jordan Childress (Swanton/Swanton), along with  junior Carrie Andryc (Graytown/Oak Harbor) return with a wealth of experience despite being a youthful unit. These ladies, combined with goalkeeper Katy Wisby (Lancaster/Bloom-Carroll), established a new school record last season for fewest goals allowed (33).

Returning in the midfield for the Beavers is All-Heartland Conference center midfielder Lyndsay Nelson (St. Marys/Memorial), captains Meghan Forquer (North Canton/Green) and Nicole Frey (Wauseon/Wauseon), along with sophomore Catie White (Lima/Central Catholic). The finishing duties up top will be headlined by sophomores Kourtney Lewis (Arlington/Riverdale) and Katy Wisby who will have more opportunities to show her athleticism this season.

Anchoring the Beavers in goal will be two newcomers to Bluffton, Molly Martin (Brookville/Brookville) and Whitney Zumberger (Botkins/Anna). "Molly and Whitney are a key piece of the puzzle for us, and I'm pleased with the level of athleticism that they will bring to the squad," commented Coach Smucker.

Notable losses for Bluffton are captains Elyse Burckhart, who was named second team All-HCAC, first team all-conference midfielder Allison White, and outside midfielder Amy Dahl. "They leave some big shoes to fill, but the team has been working hard since last fall to improve on the significant progress made in 2008," added Coach Smucker who is embarking on his seventh season at the helm.

Coach Smucker quipped, "This 2009 team looks to be one of the most complete that we have had for some time. We have talent in the midfield and with several first-year players making significant contributions our possession game should be quite effective. Defensively, we will have a very good combination of athleticism, speed and tenacity among our backs. And up top I expect us to have several threats that can score from long range as well. It looks to be an exciting year!"

After recording their best conference record ever in 2008 the Beavers now have their sights set on a berth in the Heartland Conference tournament. Smucker added, "If we can work together and stay healthy I expect us to really push for one of the top spots in the conference this year."

-BEAVERS-