Marietta College Athletics

Sept. 13, 2010
Opening Week

This past week, the team opened the season with several games. We began with the annual MC Classic at Marietta Field. On the field, we possessed the ball very well and controlled the two games. However, we were unable to find the back of the net despite several shots on goal. Although the scores did not reflect our play, we decided to learn from our experiences and go forward from the early losses. That week at practice, we concentrated an extra effort on finishing the ball. Coach Jen even jumped into the drill to add extra motivation for us players. We were trying to score off crosses into the field and if Coach Jen was able to beat us to a ball and score, we had extra fitness. Of course, as soon as the fear of fitness was added, everyone stepped up their intensity and competed to make a great practice.

This past week we also faced a very talented and physical team from Wooster. Despite playing our best game yet in the season, we found ourselves down 1-0 at half.  On a corner kick in the second half, Jenny Wilder headed the ball into the back of the net for our first goal of the season. Unfortunately, Wooster was able to score again to secure the win. Although the final score was disappointing, team had put forth the best effort yet this year. As Coach Scott said, we raised the bar for the rest of the games this season.

Continuing our gamely improvements, we headed to Defiance College where a long bus ride and overnight trip allowed for team bonding and the boy’s team to get annoyed of our loudness and laughter. We also stopped in Findlay where the Federici family had dinner for both teams which was delicious. We can’t thank them enough! The next morning we woke up and were ready to play. Senior captain Marsha Hupp opened the scoring early for our team followed by midfielder Danielle Staub. In the second half, junior midfielder Tessa Harlow dribbled around several players and shot to score our third goal. Several players were able to get into the game and it was great to finally get that first win of the season. The after-game meal was also wonderful and the team would like to thank the parents for their effort and support so far this season. 

The next day, we were back at Marietta Field to compete against Bethany College.  Last year, our match-up was a very physical game and we came in mentally prepared to be the tougher of the two teams. After coming out flat the first couple minutes of the game, we regained our composure and settled down to play our game. We had several chances offensively and were beginning to wear down our opponent a great deal physically. After regulation play, the score remained tied 0-0 and we headed into the first overtime period. Overtime in collegiate soccer is two ten-minute periods or golden goal, which means that once a team scores it wins and the game is over. With less than two minutes remaining in the first period, Tessa Harlow was able to get a goal and our 1-0 victory. Although it was one of the most exhausting games yet, the team came out and put forth a great effort and we were all happy and excited to get a well deserved win. 

This upcoming weekend we are all traveling again. Friday we play Christopher Newport in Virginia and then travel to North Carolina to face Methodist. It will be a long weekend, but if we come out with the same intensity as we did against Bethany, we should expect to play two very good games.


Sept. 2, 2010
Preparing for Success

August 16 marked the return of Marietta women’s soccer team and the beginning of what would be one of our best preseason efforts. After a summer of intense personal workouts, all the girls were eager to start playing again after the long off-season. All of the returning players came into the preseason camp with a great attitude, ready to lead the team to a successful season.

Several new faces were also present and ready to make an impact this fall season. We welcomed a new head coach, Jen Simonetti, who took over the position last winter. She so nicely welcomed us back with 6:30 a.m. fitness. Also new to the coaching staff is assistant coach Scott Reed, joining the Marietta squad from Toledo, Ohio. Both coaches have immediately made an impact on the program and hold very high expectations for all of us as the team this year. The upperclassmen also welcomed a very large freshmen class onto the team. With so many new faces, we were worried about team chemistry and the level of play we would be able to maintain. However, the freshmen class came into camp with a great effort and proof of hard work over the summer. The whole team roster blends well together on and off the field, creating a positive atmosphere that players can thrive in. We also worked on team bonding and our tans during a day trip to the Marietta Aquatic Center. Water slides and relaxing down the lazy river provided a much-needed break from all the soccer practice.

During preseason camp, we focused mainly on our fitness level, speed of play and shape as a defensive unit. Both coaches taught several defensive formations that may be used in games, including the flat back four (if you have no idea what that means, its having four defenders straight across the back of the field in front of the goal…and a lot of running back and forth).   Personal accountability has also been greatly stressed this year.  We expect the best out of ourselves and each other and won’t settle for badly played balls or poor playing in general. Like Coach Jen says, “It’s not my bad or sorry. It’s, it WILL be better next time.” We’ve built up a mentality to come out to every practice giving our best effort and not being happy with anything less.

We were able to put our preseason skills to the test with a scrimmage against the University of Charleston this past weekend. Despite being one of the hottest days of my whole life, several positives came out of the experience. Our shape as a team on the field and our ball possession was very good. Also, our communication on the field has improved tremendously from last season. As we continue to practice, we are working on finding attackers feet and playing long balls across the other team’s defense. We still have work to be done, but the effort against Charleston set the tone for what looks to be a promising season.

We open the 2010 season this Saturday on Marietta Field at the annual Marietta Soccer Classic against Rivier College at 10:00 a.m. Come out to support our team as we begin a successful season and pave our way to making the OAC playoffs this year. Check back to our website to see weekly updates from me about what the players are doing and how the team is performing.