By Scott Van Eman, SID Assistant
August 13, 2001

With the 2001 soccer season just around the corner, the Bluffton College women's soccer team looks to use their experience as an edge over their opponents.15 returning upper-classmen have the foundation set for what is sure to be an exciting year of women's soccer.

With only 11 upper-classmen and no seniors on last year's squad, Bluffton relied heavily on the play of their young players. Those young players responded, making an immediate impact on the team. Seven of Bluffton's ten top scorers were below the junior level including three freshmen.

Unfortunately, Bluffton's lack of experience led to a 3-14 overall record and a 1-5 mark in Heartland Conference play. Bluffton's young squad did manage to defeat St. Mary's, Defiance in a non-league game, and Franklin for their one league victory.

The 2001 team will be led by three of last year's standouts: senior Katie Kantner, junior April Leu, and junior Rachel Mack. Kantner was Bluffton's most potent offensive threat, tallying 17 points on the season with five goals and seven assists. Kantner also tied a BC record last season with three assists against Franklin on September 9. For her efforts, Kantner was selected first team All-HCAC. Leu shot in four goals for eight points and Mack, a defensive specialist, registered one assist as both were named second team All-HCAC.

Also providing senior leadership this season will be Natalie Anderson (one assist last season) and Kristin McCullough (1 goal last season). Other varsity returners include junior Laura Anderson, who scored two goals last season and received the "unsung hero" award for the 2000 team, sophomore goalie Alayne Troyer, who finished with 136 saves on the season, and sophomore Kelly Dietrick, who had two assists in 2000.

Bluffton will open the 2001 season on September 1 at Urbana. Bluffton will take on ONU on September 5, at 4:00 p.m. at the Sears Athletic Complex for their first home game of the season.

-BEAVERS-