Women's Soccer Mounties Looking Forward to New Season
When the curtain drops on the new AUS women's soccer season there will be a mix of old and new for the Mount Allison Mounties. Dr. Gene Ouellette represents the new after being named head coach of the program earlier in the summer. Ouellette, who served as an assistant coach in 2013, inherits a team with a strong returning core who will be looking to turn experience into success.
"Excitement and anticipation. Two words that sum up the atmosphere around the Mount Allison Women's soccer team as we prepare for the 2014 campaign," offered Coach Oullette as camp got underway this week. "With a strong core of returning third and fourth year players, complimented by some second years ready to step up into a more active role and a few key new first year players, the team is building on its leadership and experience in preparing for the fall season." Ouellette finished by saying "with depth at goalkeeping, a solid defensive commitment, a versatile midfield and talented strikers, the women Mounties are set to bring an exciting style of creative play to the AUS season"
The core of the current Mounties squad burst on to the scene two years ago with the program's first playoff appearance in 12 years. That campaign was followed up with a 2nd straight playoff appearance last year when the Mounties served as hosts for the AUS Championships. The Mounties lost to eventual AUS finalists Acadia but along the way, they proved they can run with the league's best teams.
In order to continue the string of playoff appearances, the Mounties will need leadership and contributions from team captains Charlotte Martin (Calgary, AB - 3rd year), Myranda Weild (Calgary, AB - 3rd year) and Emily van Diepen (Morell, PEI - 4th year). Amanda Volcko (Halifax, NS - 3rd year) will be the catalyst on offense. Volcko scored 5 goals during her rookie campaign in 2012. In goal, 2nd year keeper Tessa Ritchie (Ottawa, ON) brings strong leadership from the crease area.
The Mounties head to Acadia for some U4 League exhibition play on Thursday, August 28th and Friday, August 29th before opening the regular season September 6th at Dalhousie.