As the 2008 women's soccer team heads into a new season, first year head coach Jim Wendling is counting on the conference-leading defense and the players' strong technical skills and work ethic to bring the team to new heights. Wendlings goals for 2008 include increasing the win-loss ratio, and shooting to qualify for the MAAC tournament.
Wendling comes to Canisius from Urbana University, where he was a 10-year head coach. His philosophy is to motivate his players to “work hard, out-hustle the other team and give a total effort.” Based on Wendling's coaching scheme, the Golden Griffins will be developing a new strategy from last season, based on a high-pressure attack system and strong technical skill.
“Our priority is going forward and scoring more goals. We will continue working on technical skill, team speed, and defending forward.” Rebecca Shupe (Niagara Falls, Ontario/A.N.Myer), senior forward, is part of Wendling's plan to bring success to the women's soccer program. “Shupe is my number one forward. She knows how to score and is a very intelligent player.”
Also leading the Griffs is junior Sylvia Kowalski (Hamilton, Ontario/Cathedral). Kowalski, the leading returning scorer, “has a great one-versus-one ability, and she can shoot from a distance.” She was named MAAC Rookie of the Week twice during her 2006 season. Newcomers Jenny Griffin (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville East), Kelly Reinwald (Stafford, V.A./North Stafford) and Kate Sloane (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland), all top scorers in high school, will add to the speed and scoring potential of the forwards.
Freshmen Christina Gullo (Elma, N.Y./Nardin Academy), Anjelica Haddad (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) Tracey Lynk (West Winfield, N.Y./Mt. Markham Central) and Elisabeth Manocchio (Williamsville, N.Y./Clarence) complete the position depth.
Wendling's plan extends to the midfield, where Kasey Makowski (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) and Meagan Jones (Burlington, Ontario/Notre Dame) are both known for their playmaking ability. Makowski was named to the All-Rookie team in 2007.
Camille Blum (Alden, N.Y./Alden) and Blair Sprouse (Cortland Manor, N.Y./Hendrick Hudson) add the necessary defensive aspect of the midfield that was key to the defense's success in the 2007 season.
Senior Maggie Martini (Walkill, N.Y./Walkill/Charleston Southern), returning after ACL surgery, is expected to come back at 100 percent as an outside mid-
fielder. Newcomers Clare Peters (Rochester, N.Y./Odyssey Academy) and Melissa Haggerty (West Winfield, N.Y./Mt. Markham Central) will add to the
depth of the midfield lineup. Wendling looks to add a higher sense of defense to the midfield position this season.
“Our defense last year was number one in the conference. I'm happy with that situation. I think we need to do a better job defending out of the forward and midfield positions.”
Senior starter Nikki Gabrielli (London, Ontario/Catholic Central) was the leader of defense last season, and according to Wendling, is a “great player for the team.” Wendling hopes to give Gabrielli the chance to attack on overlaps, which will only occur with a strong defensive attitude from the midfield and forward positions.
Returning backs Kathleen DiPasquale (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville North), Sarah Galante (Buffalo, N.Y./Mt. Saint Mary Academy) and Jessica Leemans (Calgary, Alberta/Central Memorial) all contributed to the 2007 defense. Sophomore captain Laura Ellis (Cohocton, N.Y./Arkport) comes back to the Griffs this season after playing in all 18 games last season, include 15 starting assignments.
Gabrielli's younger sister, Dina Gabrielli (London, Ontario/Catholic Central), joins the team as a freshman this year, playing outside back along side her older sister. The defense also welcomes newcomers Christina Franceschi (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) and local player Kristen Saviola (East Amherst, N.Y./Williamsville East).
Returning goalkeepers Daniella Pettinari (Hilton, N.Y./Aquinas Institute) and Lesley Ivinac (Hamilton, Ontario/Bishop Ryan) are ready to defend their starting time against newcomer Caroline Robert (Ottawa, Ontario/Louis Riel). As Wendling said, “I am very excited about the goalkeeping group this season. I am confident that all three could start at any point.”
Wendling commented on the athleticism of Robert, who will “push Daniella for starting time,” and the advantage of Ivinac's size in the net. Wendling looks to see Pettinari, the returning starter, continue to improve from her multiple records from last season, including a second-place ranking in school history for her goals against average of 1.20.
As a whole, “the team has great chemistry so far,” said Wendling. “The upperclassmen especially know that it is one of the keys to success.” Freshmen Gabrielli, Griffin, Reinwald, Robert and Sloane are expected to “make an impact right away,” while “all of the new team members will add to the depth and talent of the team.”
As for the season, Wendling is looking forward to both the non-conference and conference play. “The first nine games are out of conference, and I think we have a chance to gain confidence in our playing style and possibly see some wins. I think those teams will help us get ready for conference play, but also be teams that we can compete against.”
Wendling's plan for the season also includes a top-four conference finish. “I believe that the Canisius women's soccer program is not well respected. Winning will certainly do that. We were voted eighth in the preseason conference poll. I would love to surprise everyone and finish in the top four.”
The Griffs begin their season at the Select Kickoff Classic in Greenville, South Carolina on Friday, Aug. 29 against Wofford.
