FMU’s Pitt Crew looks to improve on last year’s finish

 

FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University women’s soccer program will open its 2013 campaign on Monday afternoon (Aug. 26) at 4 p.m. when the Patriots take on Charleston Southern University at the Charleston Battery’s 5,100-seat Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island.

Second-year head coach Frank Pitt welcomes back 13 letterwinners, including 10-of-11 starters, from last season’s 7-9-1 squad.  That mark was the program’s best in five seasons, and included a perfect 6-0-0 home mark on the brand-new Hartzler Soccer Field.

Pitt’s 2013 squad will tackle a 19-match slate that includes six home matches and an early-season trip to Orangeburg to participate in South Carolina State University’s Sleep inn Classic, Aug. 30 and Sept. 1.  The Patriots are entering their ninth season of competing as NCAA Division I independents.

The Patriots’ home opener will be Sept. 22 against UNC Wilmington.

Although not a member of the Southern Conference, the Patriots will fill a schedule absence created when the College of Charleston bolted for the Colonial Athletic Association with FMU playing every member of the SoCon in 2013.

Francis Marion defeated Charleston Southern 3-1 in Florence last season.  FMU is 9-9-0 all-time in season openers.  The Patriots are entering their 19th overall season and own an all-time record of 182-126-16, including a 107-24-7 home mark.

“The team is really looking forward to Monday and the opportunity to open a new season,” Pitt said.  “Our recent training sessions have featured a very high level of play.  We are moving at a faster speed than a year ago, and are more technically-sound than in 2012.

“If our recent road exhibition win (4-0 over UNC Pembroke) is any indication, we feel that we can do well going forward.  Despite a tougher overall schedule (in 2013), we want to increase our win total from last season and possibly finish above .500.  Our goals also include scoring more goals and allowing fewer than a year ago” (something the Patriots did accomplish in Pitt’s first season at the helm).

“Our improved depth will allow our freshmen to grow as college players.  Our success in 2013 will not be contingent on the newcomers coming in and contributing right away.”

Senior forward-midfielder Yasmin Bunter leads the returnees. She was recently named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year for Division I Independents by College Sports Madness. Bunter, an honorable mention University Division Scholar All-South Region selection in 2012, started all 17 matches last season and led the Patriots in scoring with 18 points.  She tallied a team-high seven goals, including two match-winners, and recorded four assists.  She has started 40 consecutive matches and has led FMU in goals scored each of her first three seasons.

“Yasmin has been fantastic – a model student-athlete both on and off the field,” Pitt said.  “She is a good role model for the younger players, an attribute that again has her being named a team captain.  This season, we will continue to look to her for goals and assists as she ‘drives’ the Patriot attack.”

Also returning up front are junior forwards Elizabeth Asare and Chanel Harris, who combined to score 10 goals in 2012.  “Eli had a good spring season and has performed well in the preseason.  Her mindset has been to make the most of her playing minutes, whether scoring or assisting.  Chanel has also come into camp ready to make a mark this year and increase her point total.”

The scoring attack should be helped by the addition of freshman striker Kelly Anthony from Woodstock, Ga.  Anthony was named the preseason Freshman of the Year for Division I Independents by College Sports Madness.  One of eight new newcomers on the FMU roster, Anthony tallied a combined 17 goals and 13 assists over the past two years at Etowah High School.

Asare, Harris, junior midfielder Brittney Smith, and junior defenders Sandy Odembo and Kristina Marra were all named to College Sports Madness’ preseason Independents All-Conference Team.

Also returning is junior forward Dominique Evans, who tallied one goal and five assists, while starting 11 contests last year.

In addition to Smith, also returning in the midfield is senior Jordan Allen, who has appeared in 51 career matches, and sophomore Arianna Pierner.  “Smith is the Energizer Bunny, always in motion, and that fact creates problems for opponents on the outside.  Pierner is ready to improve upon her standout freshman campaign that saw her start every match and finish fourth on the squad in assists. Jordan provides the senior experience and leadership that comes from being part of a program for four seasons.”

Pitt also pointed to freshman Caroline Edmonds of Evans, Ga., as one of the newcomers who will battle for a starting spot in the midfield.

The only starter that Pitt must replace is center back Rebeccah Hokestra – a four-year starter.  However, that work began in the spring when December (2012) transfer Kylie Allen – younger sister of Jordan – filled that vacancy during the spring season.

“It is a challenge to replace Hoki in several ways.  We became use to relying on her in multiple areas.  Now we must work and move together as a unit.  That includes improved communication which has happened during the preseason.”

Joining Allen along the back line will be Odembo, Marra, and sophomore Kristyn Leung – a freshman that played every minute of the 2012 season.  Odembo also added to the offensive attack last year by bending in four of her own corner kicks for goals.

“These returnees should make for a strong back line.  I am also excited about what freshman Allie Duckworth (Rome, Ga.) can add to our defense, either as a defender or a holding midfielder. She is a different type of player than we have had in the past.”

Behind the defensive line, sophomore Taylor O’Berry returns in goal for FMU.  Last season she played every minute and posted a 2.06 goals against average and a .739 save percentage, while registering four shutouts.  She ranked 46th nationally in total saves with 102, only seven shy of the school record.

Joining O’Berry in net will be freshman Kim Newton, a product of Spring Valley High School in Columbia.

“Taylor has made some fantastic saves in preseason, and worked to improve on areas that may have given her problems as a freshman.  Kim has come in and had a solid preseason, and should continue to improve as she gets some collegiate experience under her belt.  With these two, we feel comfortably set at the keeper position for 2013.”

The Patriots regain the services of midfielder Teri Kourtis who suffered a knee injury early in the 2011 season, rehabbed, and then suffered another leg injury that kept her out of the entire 2012 season.  “We are trying to raise her confidence after basically two years off the pitch.  We want to get her back up to speed without dumping a huge load on her right away.  Once she regains her game form, she has a lot to add to our line-up. She has been very positive during this process.”

For the eight of the past nine years, the FMU program has earned a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) College Team Academic Award.