BELLES 2007

With a strong core of players returning for the 2007 season, there is a level of confidence that the Belles soccer squad will not only be among the best teams among the MIAA but that they will have a chance to win a league championship.

In each of the past two seasons Saint Mary’s has been among the top four MIAA teams in the regular season and with two-third’s of the scoring offensive returning from last season that trend is expected to continue as the Belles look to climb to the top. In all the Belles return nine players who played in all 15 games last year.

“We have a lot of talent on this team. It might be on the younger side but this squad has the ability to be a top team in the league,” fourth-year head coach Caryn MacKenzie said. “There are some holes to fill but there are individuals who are more than capable of sliding into those roles.”

The biggest offensive gap to fill will be the spot vacated by the graduation of two-time First-Team MIAA performer Ashley Hinton. Her sister Lauren Hinton returns after scoring 21 total goals in her first two seasons with the Belles. The junior has already been named the MIAA Second-Team on two occasions and shows no signs of slowing down.

Sophomore Micki Hedinger, who posted two goals in 2006, also returns at the forward position along with Katie Wehrli who started 11 games as a freshman.

“Although we lose some scoring up front, I believe we have a lot players who can step into a consistent scoring role,” MacKenzie said.

There are a host of players who return at midfield and on defense that allowed just over 1.50 goals a game in 2006. Seniors Sarah DuBree and Justine Higgins along with junior Mandy Thompson will serve as the stalwarts along the backline. Sophomores Bridget Ronayne, Jessica Slean and Katy Durkin each return after playing in every game last season at either midfield or on defense.

The spot vacated by Laura Heline’s graduation at the goalie spot will be up for grabs during season opening practices in August.

“I believe that this team has the potential to be really good. We certainly have a few spots to fill because of graduation but if each player plays up to their ability that will not be an issue,” MacKenzie said.