2008 Woodie Awards
Women's soccer gets first NCAA victory
Amanda Cudmore
Issue date: 11/13/04 Section: Lead Stories
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The third-ranked Hounds then faced top seed Franklin Pierce College, and were defeated 4-1. The Franklin Pierce Ravens are currently ranked fourth in the country and this championship was their team's fifth Northeast 10 Tournament title. The team has won every championship since entering the conference prior to the 2000 season. Despite the game being played away, many Assumption fans made the trip to Franklin Pierce, and created a home field like atmosphere.
For the Ravens, Meaghan Welcome and Lauren Hislop each had two goals. The lone Assumption goal was scored unassisted by Senior forward Mary Wood. Wood was able to take advantage of a Franklin Pierce turnover, shooting past Raven goalie Freshman Jenna Mello, who was on the ground following getting tangled up with Junior Captain forward Andrea Marcoccio.
The 14-1 Hounds received their first NCAA tournament berth under Head Coach Neil Stafford, as well as the first in school history on Monday. In the Northeast region, Franklin Pierce is the top seed, and will host the tournament, while other Northeast 10 schools such as such as Merrimack and St. Rose are also possibilities.
In order to advance in the tournament, Assumption will need big plays out of its offense, which has been led this season by Marcoccio. Marcoccio is currently fifth in the Northeast 10 in points and points per game, along with holding the fourth spot for goals scored. In addition, Junior Erin Faucher is another offensive force, having scored twenty points this year.
Defensively, the Hounds will look to Matysiak who leads the conference in shut outs, and has an .833 saves percentage this season. In addition, Seniors Kali DeCouto and Captain Ali Reyell will lead the defense.
"We are gong to remain focused all week an dare looking forward to Friday's game and the rest of the NCAA tournament," said DeCouto.
The Hounds defeated the Warriors of Merrimack College Friday on a goal from Freshman Kim Sullivan. The Hounds once again had outstanding defense from Freshman Goalie Lauren Matysiak, and Seniors Ali Reyell and Kali DeCouto. The Hounds will face Franklin Pierce Sunday, November 14, 2004 at 1:00.