August 17, 2010
By: Erin Oberly, sports information assistant
Fresh off their solid 2009 campaign, the Bluffton University women's soccer team is looking to build upon their second-best season ever, under the direction of interim Head Coach Rick Nussbaum. After finishing 8-9 last year, the Bluffton women are seeking a top-tier finish in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference as they return a talented and experienced squad. Nussbaum, in his first year at the helm of the women's program, has his sights set on a "breakthrough year with a very positive outlook". Nussbaum is familiar with the Bluffton's women's program from his five seasons as an assistant for the Beavers.
Another familiar face to the Bluffton women's soccer program is second-year graduate assistant Susan Kolb. During her first year with the Beavers, Kolb made much progress with the young 2009 squad and looks to add to that success. Nussbaum notes that Kolb brings a much needed sense of consistency. "Sue came in and set the bar with high expectations, something that has had a very positive effect with this team." He also went on to say that Kolb's sense of passion and constant pursuit of discipline has made her a very vital part of this team's progress on and off the field.
With the bulk of this year's leadership coming from a returning nucleus of juniors, Nussbaum will count on his gifted group of incoming freshman to make a significant impact. "Our level of play and competition for positions is expected to increase this year," Nussbaum said of the potential of this year's squad. Returners expecting to continue their 2009 success will be juniors
Kourtney Lewis (Arlington/Riverdale),
Megan Denoi (Bryan), and
Lyndsay Nelson (St. Marys/Memorial), along with sophomore
Maddie Moore (Linn Grove, Ind./South Adams). Yet depth will play a vital role in getting the desired result in 2010 as toughness and consistency will be sought after in every position. Lewis led the team in goals scored with eight and had a team-high five assists, while midfielder Caitlin White (Lima/Central Catholic) followed close behind with four scores and one assist. Midfielder
Maddie Moore also contributed four assists in her debut with the Beavers last year.
Newcomers
Maggie Armstrong (Vevay, Ind./Switzerland County),
Sarah Dailey (Zanesville/John Glenn), and Liz Webb (Ashland) will compete for time in the net this season while freshmen
Jessica Ramirez (Archbold),
Aimee Whitmer (Grand Rapids/Otsego),
Karli Graybill (Goshen, Ind./Bethany Christian),
Elizabeth Wilson (Circleville),
Jane Virdin (Lima/Shawnee),
Katie Steenrod (Sidney), and
Megan Moreo (Spencerville/Delphos Jefferson) are all looking to make an immediate impact on the field in 2010.
"It's important that we beat the teams that we can beat this year and push to get the result", stated Nussbaum. "We need to continue to build and push forward and have no backsliding at all." Nussbaum also acknowledged that it will be imperative for his team to stay healthy this season and avoid injury at all costs.
While the Bluffton women will face another competitive HCAC schedule, Nussbaum feels that they can contend for one of the top four conference slots this year. He is pleased with the effort he has seen displayed in the off-season and projects that it will greatly impact the longevity of the Beavers' success this fall. Bluffton will open up its 2010 campaign on the road at Rochester College in Michigan on September 1 at 7 p.m. The Beavers will then compete in their first home match against Grace Bible College on Saturday, September 4, with a start time slated for 1 p.m.
-BEAVERS-