COURTESY PHOTOS -- Sports Information Junior midfielder Franny Swajkoski dribbles upfield. Swajkoski had one assist in the team's scrimmage against Georgetown University this week.

Tribe soccer kicks off
Women tie Georgetown, 1-1

By Megan Syrett
Flat Hat Asst. Sports Editor

The women's soccer team ended its 2001 exhibition season and is now gearing to battle the competition all the way to the CAA Tournament.

At their final scrimmage Saturday afternoon against Georgetown University, the Tribe tied the Hoyas, 1-1.

Sophomore midfielder Lindsey Vanderspiegel, who was named CAA Rookie of the Year in 2000 for her strength as a left-side player, scored the single goal for the College.

"Lindsey [Vanderspiegel] is a tremendous player," Head Coach John Daly said. "She is very versatile and plays well in different positions."

Junior midfielder Franny Swajkoski assisted Vangerspiegel on the goal. Last season, Swajkoski had five assists and five goals.

"Fran [Swajkoski] dominated the midfield against Georgetown," Daly said.

According to Daly, a 15-year veteran coach, the team used the final scrimmage as a learning experience. He felt that they could have won if the defense had been stronger. Overall, though, he said that the game was a good workout for the women.

"They played well against decent opposition," Daly said. "They were just a bit hurried in attacking and gave up chances they shouldn't have."

The team will rely on senior team captains Jordan Krieger, Avery Willis and Janet Sury to lead as forwards. The fourth senior team captain, Courtney Owen, will defend the Tribe as goalkeeper.

Daly claims that Tribe's goalkeeping will be strong this season, with senior Erin Dixon and sophomore Nikki Villott contributing as well. Daly also feels that other players, such as sophomore Tara Flint and freshmen Keri Gordon and Alison West, will step up for the team this season. Other freshmen just joining the team are midfielder Leila Roberts and middle backers Susanne Huntington, Hanna Wachtel and Mary Platz.

"The practices are pretty intense and very competitive," West said.

The team will begin its 2001 campaign today when the women travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., to face the Colorado College Tigers, followed by the Southwest Texas State University Bobcats Sunday.