2008 Woodie Awards
Muskie women kick it into gear
Tim Romanello
Issue date: 10/10/02 Section: Sports
If the Lakeland's women's soccer team was hoping to carry their recent dominant style of play into conference, they responded magnificently by having their way with Maranatha Baptist, winning 7-0 in the Lake Michigan Conference season opener on Saturday.
Leading the way was Meghan Wudtke, scoring three goals and one assist. Also contributing were Stefany Nutter (two assists), Susan Webb, Amanda Smith and Bri Plautz.
"We are playing at the top of our game right now and playing with loads of confidence," said coach Marc Colwell.
Just before the conference opener, the Lakeland women refined their tactics and skills by defeating Alverno 10-0, UW-Dubuque (IA) 10-1, and tying powerhouse UW-Whitewater 1-1 through double overtime.
"We have played some tough non-conference opponents, although they don't mean as much, I believe they are preparing us for the battles yet to come [Lake Michigan Conference games]," said senior captain Nutter.
"Battle" might be an understatement for the Muskies' next scheduled conference foe, Edgewood, on Oct. 9.
"This Edgewood game has huge implications," said Colwell. "Having won conference (Edgewood) the last couple of years, they are the team to beat. I believe that we have the personnel this year to do it and then take an even bigger step by accomplishing other goals-winning conference."
History between the Edgewood and Lakeland soccer programs is proof that this game is huge for the women's team. Lakeland has failed to beat Edgewood College in the last 15 games, including three losses in the conference tournament and one in the conference tournament championship game.
"Every year, this is the game that we circle," said defender Jasmine Bastasic, "but it gets to be a psychological factor."
Nutter added, "No matter how well we have been playing going into the Edgewood games, we come out against Edgewood playing 'not to lose' instead of playing our game and style to win."
Leading the way was Meghan Wudtke, scoring three goals and one assist. Also contributing were Stefany Nutter (two assists), Susan Webb, Amanda Smith and Bri Plautz.
"We are playing at the top of our game right now and playing with loads of confidence," said coach Marc Colwell.
Just before the conference opener, the Lakeland women refined their tactics and skills by defeating Alverno 10-0, UW-Dubuque (IA) 10-1, and tying powerhouse UW-Whitewater 1-1 through double overtime.
"We have played some tough non-conference opponents, although they don't mean as much, I believe they are preparing us for the battles yet to come [Lake Michigan Conference games]," said senior captain Nutter.
"Battle" might be an understatement for the Muskies' next scheduled conference foe, Edgewood, on Oct. 9.
"This Edgewood game has huge implications," said Colwell. "Having won conference (Edgewood) the last couple of years, they are the team to beat. I believe that we have the personnel this year to do it and then take an even bigger step by accomplishing other goals-winning conference."
History between the Edgewood and Lakeland soccer programs is proof that this game is huge for the women's team. Lakeland has failed to beat Edgewood College in the last 15 games, including three losses in the conference tournament and one in the conference tournament championship game.
"Every year, this is the game that we circle," said defender Jasmine Bastasic, "but it gets to be a psychological factor."
Nutter added, "No matter how well we have been playing going into the Edgewood games, we come out against Edgewood playing 'not to lose' instead of playing our game and style to win."