Meredith College 2007 Soccer Season Preview

The 2006 season was the best in Meredith’s history and 2007 is sure to be just as strong. In their first year of USA South Conference play, the Avenging Angels attempt to gain their second consecutive NCAA tournament bid. Last season, as a member of the Association of Division III Independents, Meredith dominated the post season awards. The national award winners included Margot Childs, volunteer assistant coach this season, being named Defensive Player of the Year, Maggie Hart, Rookie of the Year and Paul Smith, Coach of the Year. Meredith Cowart and Margot Childs were placed on the first team. Maggie Hart, Anna Buryk and Stephanie Wells were named to the second team. Honorable mention awards were given to Nicole Boucher and Mary Grace Moon. The 17-win season also included a 12-game win streak, 14-game non-losing streak, and 14 shutouts.

The Avenging Angels will open the 2007 season against national ranked opponents in the Virginia Wesleyan College Marlin Invitational. This Labor Day tournament will also include national power Ohio Wesleyan and regional power Eastern University.

One week later the Avenging Angels will defend their 2006 National Invitational Esprit D- III tournament championship and look to maintain their recent South Regional rankings.

The team will also compete in the North Carolina Wesleyan Invitational and play seven national or regional ranked opponents. The most exciting challenge for Meredith will be the soccer program’s first season in the always competitive USA South Conference regular season and tournament.

DEFENSE:
This year’s version of defense will be bolstered by two tough and reliable players. Junior leader Samantha Povich and First Team All-National Independent selection Meredith Cowart played nearly every minute last season and will anchor another stellar defensive unit. Sophomore Ashley Collins will add air-play and toughness. Freshmen Kristin Braxton, Chanese Hall and Shekinah Tharrington are expected to contribute immediately. Goalkeeper Sarah Chadwick brings a new and instant force in the nets. Chadwick was a 2006 All-Conference and All-Region honoree and led Onslow Classic Soccer Association Crew to three final four appearances in the tough North Carolina Youth Soccer Association State Championships.

MIDFIELD:
Senior Jerica Moses and junior Anna Buryk will lead a strong and experienced midfield group.  Buryk was the team’s leading assist maker with 13 and Moses produced three goals and three assists. The 2007 Avenging Angels also boast returnees Maggie Barilich, Carra Sykes and Charis Hill. Freshmen Alex Calvert, Emmy Errante and Kelsey Hukee will battle for key positions because they possess the skills, toughness and high level soccer experience to play anywhere on the field.

FORWARDS:
The team returns eight of the nine top scorers for the 2007 campaign. Senior Nicole Boucher is a two time All-National Independent Selection scoring 16 goals with five assists and was co-leader with four game-winning goals. Last season, Boucher was named National Player of the Week with her two critical goals against the University of Dallas. Sophomore Kristy Knight scored 16 goals, three game winners, seven assists and was named a Meredith Classic All-Tournament selection. Sophomore Maggie Hart was the 2006 D-III Independent National Rookie of the Year, Meredith Classic All-Tournament player and led the team in scoring with 21 goals and six assists last season. Hart was a second Team All-Independent National selection and scored four game winners.

Senior Erin Cooper scored five goals with two assists and is a two-time Meredith Classic All-Tournament selection is ready to impact in a huge way. Junior shoot and serve specialist Karen Taylor is a former National Independent D-III freshman of the Year and a Meredith Classic All-Tournament selection. Added to the mix are two speedy and dynamic freshmen, Heather Beasley and Erica Murray.