Alex Wilson begins her third season as head coach at Stonehill this fall. |
By Jim Fenton
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
The Skyhawks reached the Northeast-10 Conference postseason tournament for the first time since 2011 last fall and return 17 players. Stonehill hosts the four-team Catholic Cup on Friday and Saturday in Easton to open the season.
EASTON - The Stonehill College women's soccer team got off to an impressive start last season, going 6-1-1 in the opening four weeks.
After that, however, the Skyhawks managed only two wins in their final 10 games, going 2-7-1 with six of the losses by just one goal.
Stonehill qualified for Northeast-10 Conference tournament for the first time since 2011 with a 6-6-1 record before losing in the quarterfinal round to Assumption College, 2-1, in overtime.
"We had all close games,'' said coach Alex Wilson, now in her third season. "I think it gave the ladies an opportunity to say, 'Hey, we can do this.' Now (reaching the tournament) is our minimum.
"It's the postseason and how high can we be ranked, how can we finish and maybe host a playoff game. That's the hope.''
The Skyhawks start the season by hosting the annual Catholic Cup starting on Friday. Stonehill faces Saint Michael's College at 4 p.m. while Assumption meets Saint Anselm College at 1 p.m. The consolation and championship games are on Saturday.
Stonehill is picked to finish 13th in the NE-10, one year after finishing eighth when they were selected to place 11th.
Junior goalkeeper Jamie Block started 16 matches last season, posting a 1.25 goals against average. |
The Skyhawks return 17 players and have just two seniors on a roster that features 11 juniors.
"Even though we graduated nine players, I'm extremely confident with the returning group and the addition of the freshmen who are playing at a high level and are competitive,'' said Wilson.
The three players who earned All-NE-10 honors last season, junior back Claire O'Brien, junior midfielder Hannah Fay and sophomore midfielder Taylor Shannahan, all return.
O'Brien, who has started all 36 games in her first two seasons, keyed the Stonehill defense that allowed 1.15 goals per game. She was named to the All-East Region third team and the All-New England second team.
"She looks great,'' said Wilson. "She'll definitely lead the charge back there.''
Junior goalkeeper Jamie Block, who made 16 starts and had a 1.25 goals against average with four shutouts, is also back.
"She did really well,'' said Wilson of the tri-captain. "It was her first year playing and she really came a long way. I look at her to pick up where she left off and keep us organized.''
Senior Meagan Elliott (six goals, four assists) led the team in goals and points, followed by junior Lauren Kapatoes (four goals).
Wilson is expecting sophomore Meredith Moore and freshmen Meghan Thomasch and Caroline Colbert to boost the offense.
"The big thing for us is to have a strong start in September again and be consistent,'' said Wilson. "I think the experience is a big help.''
Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.
