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2007 Women’s Soccer Preview

For the second straight year the Trolls have started their season in the top 25 of the NAIA national preseason ratings. The No. 24 ranking comes as a result of the positive results of the 2006 season that ended with a 16-7 overall record and a runner-up finish in the NAIA region tournament. The Trolls have reason to be optimistic about this season as they return the majority of their starting line-up and add a very good recruiting class.
 
Coach Josh Lenarz, entering his sixth season, is excited about the prospect of this season. He is confident that he has the personnel and talent to be a top contending conference team and in the run for a national tournament appearance.
 
“Last year we did well, despite some obstacles and setbacks,” said Lenarz. “We had some key injuries, yet endured and pulled through. Our ability to adjust and play through adversity is a testament to the strength of the players on the team. We possess that same mentality this season and that will go a long way in making us successful.”
 
The team has the experience and the talent to be a national contender as it returns a total of 17 players, including seven starters. In addition the roster has added eleven new players, which Lenarz claims is one of the overall most talented groups he has brought in.
 
“We do not have to do too much rebuilding as the core of last season’s talent is back,” said Lenarz. “They provide such a solid group of players both from a skill and leadership level that we will be able to push to a higher level. In addition, I am impressed with the new class as anyone of the players can step in and contribute this year.”
 
A huge part of the team’s success lies in a trio of juniors who have proven themselves in the past two seasons. Co-captains Mindi Harkema (Hudsonville, MI), Natalie Buikema (Brookfield, WI), and Nicole Billin (Hudsonville, MI) provide the core of the offensive play and the heart of the team. Last season these three accounted for 27 of the teams’ 68 goals and earned many post-season honors.
 
“Mindi, Natalie, and Nicole are amazing in what they bring to the team,” said Lenarz. “They supply us with great talent, but more important are outstanding leaders. They provide so much that cannot be measured, yet makes us better as a team and as individuals.”
 
Those three will have plenty of support in the front lines in returning players Sarah Faasse (Grandville, MI), Alyssa Lee (Fort Wayne, IN), and Meagan Scartozzi (Crete, IL), who combined for 21 goals last season. In addition Alyssa DeGroot (Chino, CA), Sam Stavola (Oswego, IL), Kelly Heim (Garden Prairie, IL), Brittany Lee (Lookout Mountain, GA), and Carolyn Fox (Guatemala) all provide experience as they return to forward and midfield positions.
 
Making an impact in the offensive attack will be a couple of new players. Freshman Trisha Airth (Upland, CA) knows how to score and will give the team added depth to the front line. Senior Danielle Scartozzi (Crete, IL), a transfer, has three years of collegiate experience and will finish out her career with the Trolls.
 
The offensive line-up will be completed with a group of new players. Ali Wyder (Prior Lake, MN) is a forward while sophomore Kelly White (Crestview Hills, KY), and freshmen Sarah Tadla (Orland Park, IL), Anna Marquez (Wheaton, IL), Laura Gundersen (Excelsior, MN), and Laura Roose (Downers Grove, IL) all join the midfield.
 
Last season Yasmine Alcala (Blue Island, IL), Leanne Visser (Jenison, MI), were new to the Trolls’ defensive line. Despite their inexperience they combined with transfer goalkeeper Taryne Blomgren (Whittier, CA) to post ten shutouts for the season. They return this year with experience and know-how to get the job done.
 
Joining them in that defensive line will be freshman Chelsey Brunt (Santee, CA), a hard worker who shows great ability to step into a starting role. The depth will be provided with retuners Joy Trethewey (Zeeland, MI), Becky Wych (Garden Prairie, IL), and newcomers sophomore Bethany Hamstra (Elmhurst, IL) and freshman Kristen Chockley (Plano, TX). Junior Jill Machiela (Holland, MI) will provide back-up in the goal.   
The Trolls’ schedule will provide challenges in both the non-conference and the CCAC match-ups. Absent from the slate of opponents are some of the schools that Trinity has defeated frequently and in their place are teams that have had more success. At the start of their season is a three-game trip down south that includes three new opponents, including Covenant College (GA), a team that has been to the NAIA national tournament. In addition in October, the Trolls will host Roberts Wesleyan College (NY), a consistent top NCCAA team.
 
Coach Lenarz is anticipating a tight conference race with at least six teams competing for the title. “Each year the teams in the conference get stronger,” said Lenarz. “It will be nice to have Trinity International and Saint Xavier at home this season since we have faced them on the road for the past couple of years. Overall, it is our goal to be in the top four in order to secure a host site for the CCAC tournament and a bid to the NAIA region tournament.”