September 4, 2009
2009 Preview: Eagles Tabbed Fourth In NECC Preseason Poll, Open Season Sunday

Erin Hurd led the squad with a 10-2--22 mark in 2008

(Nashua, N.H.) – Coming off its most successful overall season in history, the Daniel Webster College women’s soccer team looks for better things in 2009 as they open their season this coming Sunday, September 6th, hosting Regis College in a nonconference matchup beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The Eagles, who broke the all time program wins record with an 8-9 overall record (5-3 NECC) last season, were tabbed fourth of nine teams in the annual New England Collegiate Conference preseason coaches’ poll, released on Thursday. The Eagles also come off a season in which they returned to the postseason for the first time in six years and won their first ever playoff game in the NECC quarterfinals.

Fifth year Head Coach Tom McGuinness welcomes back 10 letter winners and adds five newcomers to the mix, including all four top point-getters and three all-conference performers.

“We’re optimistic,” said McGuinness. “I think we have great potential and our players are expecting great things as well. We return eight starters from last year and have more experience throughout our roster.”

Schelhorn earned First Team All NECC last season

Two seniors enter their fourth and final season with the squad as First Team NECC midfielder Rachel Schelhorn (Lebanon, Conn.) and second team forward Erin Hurd (Centerville, Mass.) lead the offense. A two-time NECC Player of the Week, Hurd led the squad with a 10g-2a-22 mark, while Schelhorn finished second (5-2-12). The two accounted for just over 50-percent of the team’s season goals total.

Halfback sophomore TC DiSantis (Hinsdale, Mass.) and one-time NECC Rookie of the Week Kacie Lang (Raymond, N.H.) showed great promise during their inaugural seasons, as DiSantis notched a 3-4-10 mark while Lang kicked in a 2-3-7 total.

Junior Kim Lemire (Merrimack, N.H.), who earned NECC Honorable Mention, returns to help anchor the defensive side of the field. One-time NECC Rookie of the Week and sophomore forward Alexa Quintiliani (Manchester, Conn.), sophomore fullback Becca Jordan (East Granby, Conn.), fullback Nancy DeMartini (Woodbridge, N.J.) and junior halfback Heather Bowman (Matamoras, Penn.) are also expected to be significant contributors.

Lemire anchors the squad's defense in 2009

The Eagles will add depth with the return of two-year veteran and senior fullback Rose Chapman (Sanbornton, N.H.) along with experience in junior Erin Pedersen (Watertown, N.Y.) who joins the squad for the first time this season.

Three true freshmen are also expected to make immediate contributions including fullback Sarah Blanchard (Calgary, Alb.), forward Hilary Girard (Seymour, Conn.) and fullback Lyndze Priebe (Raymond, N.H.).

In goal, sophomore Amy Waller (Berlin, Mass.) proved reliable throughout her freshman campaign, logging nearly 1,450 minutes, posting a solid 2.49 GAA and .704 save percentage with three shutouts.

McGuinness knows that although the Eagles should be competitive throughout the season, the NECC – now in its second season – is seeing its entire talent level increase.

“As confident and comfortable as we are with a group, we know all our opponents grew in size and experience as well,” McGuinness said. “We cannot have a let-down if we expect to be competitive this fall.”

Lesley University was the coaches’ poll preseason pick for the title, followed by defending tournament champion Elms College. Becker College placed third.

“Overall health and fitness will be the primary keys for us,” McGuinness concluded. “If we can achieve that, then we feel a return to the NECC playoffs can be accomplished and then we can re-focus on what it will take to win a NECC championship.”


2009 NECC Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll
School / Points
Lesley (6) 78
Elms (3) 75
Becker 56
DANIEL WEBSTER 52
Mitchell 45
Bay Path 41
Wheelock 25
Newbury 17
Southern Vermont 16

(First place votes in parentheses.)