The women's soccer team started its 2007 season on the right foot, winning both of its games this weekend against Frostburg State University and Roger Williams University in the Jako Blue Jay Classic hosted by Elizabethtown College.
This year the Lions have adopted a new formation which calls for four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers. An offensive-minded formation, the change is intended to create more scoring opportunities.
"This was our first game in our new 4-3-3 formation," junior forward Jamie Kunkel said. "It is something new we have to get used to, but I think adding the extra forward helps."
The coaching adjustment seems to be working as the Lions offense has outshot its opponents 70-3 in just two games.
Ranked second in the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America NCAA Division III preseason poll, the Lions are 2-0 on the young season.
In Saturday's season opener against Frostburg, the College kept its composure after letting in the first goal, eventually taking the game 3-1.
Nearly five minutes into the game, sophomore midfielder Lauren Lentine put the Bobcats up 1-0 by putting in a rebound shot around the Lions' goal.
The Lions were quick to answer as junior midfielder Coleen Weber scored just three minutes later to tie the game. Junior defender Laura Delaney followed up in the 22nd minute with a long 30-yard goal of her own. A third goal was added in the second half by a header from Kunkel.
Sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Clarke needed only one save to record her first win of the season.
On Sunday, the Lions connected for two of their 44 shots on goal as they defeated Roger Williams 2-0. Senior forward Dana DiBruno netted her first goal of the season in the 10th minute off of a pass from Kunkel. In the second half, senior forward Beth Pagano added another goal with a well-struck shot from the top of the box.
Clarke needed to make no saves in order to record her first shutout of the season. She finished last season with an impressive 12 shutouts.
"Almost our entire team is back from last year, so we are very experienced," Kunkel said. "We also have some good freshmen to support the juniors and seniors. Hopefully we can do the same thing we did last year and get back to the (NCAA) finals."
The Lions will host the College's adidas Classic this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 8 the Lions will square off against Washington and Jefferson University at 11 a.m. Then, they will face Amherst College on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m.
